Does pension come before or after tax?
It depends on the pension method. Net pay, relief at source, and salary sacrifice can affect taxable pay and take-home pay differently.
PayBreakdown - Salary Calculator & Budget Manager
How is take-home pay calculated?
UK take-home pay is usually gross salary minus PAYE income tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, and student loan repayments.
What this page helps with
A UK salary estimate normally starts with gross pay, applies any pension treatment, calculates taxable pay, then deducts PAYE income tax, National Insurance, student loans, and other entered deductions to reach take-home pay.
Official sources
Income Tax rates and Personal AllowancesNational Insurance rates and categoriesStudent loan repayment thresholdsPension tax reliefNational Minimum Wage and National Living Wage ratesStatutory Maternity Pay and LeaveStatutory Sick PayFCA guidance on misleading financial promotionsOff-payroll working and IR35 guidanceUnderstanding off-payroll workingSalary sacrifice for employersNHS Employers pay scales 2026/27NHS Health Careers Agenda for Change pay ratesFrequently asked questions
Why do calculators ask for tax code and region?
Tax code affects the personal allowance, and Scotland uses different income tax bands from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Last updated 2026-05-07. Planning estimates only. Not financial advice.