What does the Zero-Hours Contract Earnings Calculator do?

Calculate annual earnings, tax and holiday pay accrual on a zero-hours contract. NMW check included. All calculations are performed in your browser using official UK rates and thresholds.

Is this calculator based on 2025/26 rates?

Yes. This calculator uses the current 2025/26 UK tax year rates for income tax, National Insurance and other deductions, effective from 6 April 2025.

Does this include pension contributions?

This calculator can factor in workplace pension contributions. Under auto-enrolment, the minimum is 8% total (5% employee + 3% employer) of qualifying earnings.

Zero-Hours Contract Earnings Calculator

Calculate annual earnings, tax and holiday pay accrual on a zero-hours contract. NMW check included.

Last updated: April 2026 · Source: GOV.UK — Zero-hours contracts

Hourly Rate

Average Hours/Week

Weeks Worked/Year

Estimated Annual Take-Home

£11,721.60

£976.80/month · £244.20/week gross

Annual Gross

£11,721.60

Income Tax

£0.00

Holiday Pay (12.07%)

£1,414.80

Zero-hours workers are entitled to: NMW (£12.21/hr for 21+), 5.6 weeks holiday (accrued at 12.07%), rest breaks, protection from discrimination. Employer cannot require exclusivity.

Disclaimer

This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal data is collected or sent to our servers. Rates and thresholds are sourced from HMRC and GOV.UK and are updated for the current tax year. Always verify results with HMRC or consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

How It Works

Zero-hours contracts do not guarantee any minimum working hours, making income unpredictable. However, workers on these contracts still have statutory employment rights including the National Minimum Wage, paid annual leave (5.6 weeks pro rata based on hours worked), rest breaks and protection from discrimination.

Holiday entitlement for zero-hours workers is calculated as 12.07% of hours worked, giving the equivalent of 5.6 weeks per year. This can be paid as rolled-up holiday pay (included in each pay packet) or accrued and taken as time off. The method must be clearly stated in the contract.

This calculator estimates your annual earnings, holiday pay and statutory entitlements based on your average weekly hours and hourly rate. It also shows estimated tax and NI, and flags if your earnings fall below the NI Primary Threshold, meaning you would not build State Pension qualifying years.

Example: Average 20 hours/week at £12.21/hour

Weekly gross: 20 × £12.21 = £244.20
Annual gross (52 weeks): £12,698.40
Holiday entitlement: 20 × 5.6 = 112 hours (£1,367.52)
Below Personal Allowance (£12,570): minimal income tax
Above NI Primary Threshold: NI payable on £128.40

Source: GOV.UK — Zero-hours contracts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Zero-Hours Contract Earnings Calculator do?: Calculate annual earnings, tax and holiday pay accrual on a zero-hours contract. NMW check included. All calculations are performed in your browser using official UK rates and thresholds.
Is this calculator based on 2025/26 rates?: Yes. This calculator uses the current 2025/26 UK tax year rates for income tax, National Insurance and other deductions, effective from 6 April 2025.
Does this include pension contributions?: This calculator can factor in workplace pension contributions. Under auto-enrolment, the minimum is 8% total (5% employee + 3% employer) of qualifying earnings.