Reverse Calculators
Reverse Salary Calculator
Type the net you want and the percentage you keep after deductions — not a PAYE engine.
From take-home back to salary
Tax, NI, student loan and pension are not linear, so a flat keep-rate is only a sketch. Reverse the percentage you actually observed on a similar salary, then confirm with HMRC tools before you negotiate. This calculator back-solves a gross figure from a desired take-home under a simplified keep-rate assumption. Compare offers with take-home pay comparison and pay rise. Contractors need umbrella or limited-company modelling from an accountant rather than this sketch. Related format conversions: salary to hourly. Not tax advice. Relocation offers sometimes quote take-home in a new city with different tax — rebuild the keep-rate from a local calculator rather than reusing last year’s sketch. If a role includes significant overtime, reverse a typical month rather than the base salary alone. Bring both gross and desired net to negotiations so HR can map them to their bands. Relocation offers sometimes quote take-home in a new city with different tax — rebuild the keep-rate from a local calculator rather than reusing last year’s sketch. If a role includes significant overtime, reverse a typical month rather than the base salary alone. Bring both gross and desired net to negotiations so HR can map them to their bands.
Worked example
You want about £2,400 take-home a month (£28,800 a year) and a similar role kept roughly 72% of gross after deductions. Implied gross ≈ 28800 ÷ 0.72 = £40,000. If your student loan or pension differs, the keep-rate changes — re-run with a rate from a real payslip or an official calculator before you resign.
Limits and assumptions
Flat keep-rates ignore tax bands and Scottish rates. Salary sacrifice and benefits-in-kind are not modelled. Not a substitute for HMRC or payroll software.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a flat keep-rate inaccurate?
UK tax is banded and deductions differ by pension and student loan. A flat rate is a conversation starter only.
Where should I confirm real take-home?
Use official HMRC calculators or your payroll preview for figures you will rely on.
Can I use this for contracting?
Only loosely. Umbrella and limited-company take-home need accountant-level modelling.
Should I reverse monthly or annual figures?
Either works if you stay consistent — multiply or divide by 12 carefully.
How do bonuses affect reverse salary?
Bonuses can push you into higher bands. Reverse a typical month separately from annual bonus expectations.