UK National Insurance Calculator
Calculate UK National Insurance contributions for employees and self-employed.
Calculate
Enter your gross annual salary before deductions
Class 1 NI contributions
📊 Quick Stats (2024/25)
Primary Threshold
£12,570/yr
Upper Limit
£50,270/yr
Standard Rate
12%
Higher Rate
2%
Ready to Calculate?
Enter your annual salary to see your National Insurance contributions.
📖 What is National Insurance?
National Insurance contributions are payments made to the UK government that help fund State Pension, benefits, and the NHS. Most workers earning above £12,570 per year pay NI contributions.
How National Insurance Works
You Earn
Salary & Wages
HMRC Collects
NI Contributions
You Receive
State Benefits
👔 Employed (Class 1 NI)
| £12,570 - £50,270 | 12% |
| Above £50,270 | 2% |
💼 Self-Employed (Class 2 & 4)
| Class 2 Weekly | £3.45/week |
| Class 4 Standard | 9% |
| Class 4 Higher | 2% |
🎁 What Does National Insurance Cover?
NHS Healthcare
State Pension
Jobseeker's
Sick Pay
Maternity Pay
💡 Key Facts About National Insurance
- •You need 35 qualifying years of NI contributions to get the full State Pension
- •NI contributions stop at State Pension age (currently 66)
- •You can check your NI record through your Government Gateway account
- •Voluntary NI contributions can fill gaps in your record
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays National Insurance?
Most workers aged 16 to State Pension age who earn above £12,570/year pay NI. Both employees and self-employed people pay, though the classes and rates differ.
What's the difference between NI and Income Tax?
Income Tax funds general government spending, while NI specifically funds the State Pension, NHS, and social security benefits. They have different thresholds and rates.
When do I stop paying National Insurance?
You stop paying NI when you reach State Pension age (currently 66). After that, you don't pay NI on any earnings, but you still pay Income Tax if applicable.
How can I check my NI contribution record?
You can check your NI record online through the Government Gateway at gov.uk. It shows your contributions history and any gaps that might affect your State Pension.