Calculator
Example data table
| Scenario | Inputs | Estimated holiday pay |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly average | £18,500 earnings, 52 paid weeks, 5 days leave | £355.77 |
| Annual salary | £36,000 salary, 52 weeks, 10 days leave | £1,384.62 |
| Hourly | £13.50/hour, 40 hours leave | £540.00 |
Formula used
- Weekly average mode: average weekly pay = reference earnings ÷ paid weeks.
- Daily rate: daily rate = average weekly pay ÷ working days per week.
- Holiday pay: holiday pay = daily rate × holiday days, or hourly rate × holiday hours.
- Extra pay: optional amount added to the result.
- Rolled-up estimate: estimate = 12.07% × gross pay for a period.
How to use this calculator
- Select the mode that matches your pay pattern.
- Enter reference earnings and paid weeks, or salary, or hourly rate.
- Add holiday days or holiday hours you want to pay.
- Optionally add extra pay, or view a rolled-up estimate.
- Press calculate to see results, chart, and download links.
Holiday pay guide with working examples
1) Statutory allowance snapshot
Many UK workers receive 5.6 weeks of paid leave each leave year. For a five‑day week, that is 28 days. If you work fewer days, the allowance is usually pro‑rated, for example 5.6 × 3 = 16.8 days. This calculator helps you convert time off into pay.
2) Reference period averaging in practice
For variable pay, an averaging approach is often used. Enter your reference period earnings and the number of paid weeks included. Example: £18,500 across 52 paid weeks gives an average weekly pay of £355.77. With 5 working days, the daily rate becomes £71.15.
3) Turning weekly pay into holiday pay
Once you have a daily rate, holiday pay is straightforward: daily rate × holiday days. Using the example above, 5 days of leave estimates to £71.15 × 5 = £355.77. If you need 2.5 days, the same rate gives £177.88. This matches how many payroll teams budget leave costs.
4) Annual salary method for steady earnings
If you are salaried, the calculator can convert annual pay into weekly and daily amounts. Example: £36,000 ÷ 52 = £692.31 per week. With 5 working days, the daily rate is £138.46, so 10 days leave estimates to £1,384.62.
5) Hourly method for shift patterns
If you track leave in hours, use hourly rate × holiday hours. Example: £13.50 per hour and 40 hours of leave estimates to £540.00. If you also add a £120 adjustment, the total shown becomes £660.00, and the chart splits base and extra amounts.
6) Variable pay components and estimates
Where pay varies, capture the earnings you want reflected in holiday pay, then average them over the weeks paid. You may also see a simple rolled‑up estimate shown as 12.07% of a gross period amount. Use it as a planning figure, not a replacement for your payroll rules.
7) Keep a clear audit trail
Save your inputs and outputs. The CSV export is convenient for spreadsheets and budgeting, while the PDF export is easy to share with managers or clients. Recalculate anytime your hours, days, or pay pattern changes.
FAQs
1) Should I use days or hours?
Use hours if your leave is recorded in hours or your shifts vary. Use days when leave is booked as full or half days. You can enter both; the calculator uses the mode you select.
2) What is “reference period earnings”?
It is the total pay you want averaged, across the paid weeks you enter. For variable earnings, this can help smooth peaks and troughs when estimating an average weekly figure.
3) Why do I need “paid weeks”?
Paid weeks are the number of weeks included in your reference earnings total. Dividing earnings by paid weeks produces an average weekly amount, which then converts into a daily rate.
4) Can I include bonuses or allowances?
Yes. Add them into reference earnings if they should affect your average, or use “Extra pay” to add a fixed adjustment. Keep your approach consistent so results remain comparable.
5) What does the 12.07% estimate mean?
It is a simple percentage sometimes used to approximate holiday pay from gross pay over a period. This page shows it only as an optional estimate to support quick planning.
6) Are these results exact payroll values?
No. This calculator provides estimates for budgeting and comparisons. For payslips and compliance, confirm the method and inputs your employer or payroll provider uses for your contract and working pattern.