01
Rate band worked out from date of birth at the start of each pay period: 21 and over
(National Living Wage), 18 to 20, under 18 and apprentice
For UK employers & bookkeepers
7 reasons to check minimum wage every pay period
Is everyone on your payroll paid at least the legal minimum for their age? Birthdays at 18 and 21, the end of an apprentice's first year and each April's rate rise all change the answer, and underpaying by mistake still means arrears at today's rate and possible HMRC penalties.
- Excel & Google Sheets, no macros
- Example + blank file
- Start-here guide
- One-off price, no subscription
Screens from the included example file. All names and figures are fictional.
60workers
200pay periods
£12.71National Living Wage from 1 April 2026
0macros, add-ons or subscriptions
The list
Why a ready-made calculator beats paper and a blank spreadsheet
02
Apprentice rule built in
The apprentice rate applies under 19, or aged 19+ in the first year of the apprenticeship; after that the age rate is used
Get the calculator · £10.99 Instant download · Excel & Google Sheets
03
April 2024, 2025 and 2026 rates included
(from 1 April 2026: £12.71, £10.85, £8.00, £8.00), plus the 1 April 2027 rates announced on 28/10/2026. Add future years as a row on the Rates tab
Pay that counts
Take off pay that does not count (premiums, tips, expenses) and deductions for your own benefit; accommodation handled with the daily offset (£11.10 from April 2026)
Status for each period
OK, Close to the line (your % margin) or Underpaid, with the shortfall and arrears at today's rate (the HMRC method)
Rate rise warnings
Workers turning 18 or 21, or leaving the apprentice rate, within your chosen number of days
Clear Check messages for text in a date or pay cell
A pay period for an unknown worker, a name used twice, a period ending before it starts and a Rates tab out of order
Get the calculator · £10.99 Instant download · stuck? Email us for help
Compare
Three ways to keep these records
| Feature | Paper or notes | A blank spreadsheet | This calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice rule built in | ✗No | ~ If you build it | ✓ Built in |
| April 2024, 2025 and 2026 rates included | ✗No | ~ If you build it | ✓ Built in |
| Pay that counts | ✗No | ~ If you build it | ✓ Built in |
| Status for each period | ✗No | ~ If you build it | ✓ Built in |
| Rate rise warnings | ✗No | ~ If you build it | ✓ Built in |
| Cost | Free, plus your time | Free, plus your time | £10.99 once |
What's inside
Everything you download
3 files
- XLSX UK-Minimum-Wage-Checker.xlsxfilled with fictional example data (a café with 10 workers and 15 pay periods) so you can see how it works
- XLSX UK-Minimum-Wage-Checker-BLANK.xlsxan empty copy, ready for your own team
- PDF Start-here.pdfone-page quick-start guide, including how to open it in Google Sheets
Also included
- Dashboard: 8 headline figures, today's rates, underpaid list, coming rate rises, a "What needs your attention" list and…
- Up to 60 workers and 200 pay periods
Good to know
- A Health check on the Start Here tab and a Check/Status column on every log flag missing or odd entries
- Arrears: if a worker was underpaid, GOV.UK says arrears are paid at today's rate if that is higher. The checker uses that method
- Dates show as DD/MM/YYYY
Is it right for you?
Made for some, honestly not for others
A good fit if you…
- UK employers, café, shop, care and hospitality owners and bookkeepers
- use Excel or Google Sheets on a computer
- want to pay once, not another subscription
Not for you if you…
- need Apple Numbers or mobile-only editing
- want someone to do the records for you
How it works
Three steps to get going
- 1
Set up once
Your business name, the as-of date and the warning margin on Settings (about 1 minute)
- 2
Add each worker
Name, payroll number, date of birth and apprenticeship start date if any
- 3
Check each pay period
Enter hours, gross pay and anything that does not count, then read the Dashboard and fix anything flagged
Microsoft Excel2010 or newer (Windows & Mac) and Microsoft 365
Google SheetsFree Google account. Upload the .xlsx, then set the locale to United Kingdom
0
No macrosNothing to enable, no add-ons or subscriptions. Not designed for Apple Numbers or mobile-only editing. A computer is recommended
- Instant download
- Example + blank file
- Start-here guide
The offer
Master UK Minimum Wage Checker
£10.99one-off · no subscription
- Filled with fictional example data (a café with 10 workers and 15 pay periods) (UK-Minimum-Wage-Checker.xlsx)
- An empty copy, ready for your own team (UK-Minimum-Wage-Checker-BLANK.xlsx)
- One-page quick-start guide, including how to open it in Google Sheets (Start-here.pdf)
- Licensed for use within one business or household
Price includes VAT where applicable — calculated at checkout. Secure checkout by Payhip.
14-day money-back guaranteeIf the template doesn't work for you, email info@phkmedia.co.uk within 14 days of purchase and we'll refund you in full — no hoops.
Questions? Email info@phkmedia.co.uk
Stuck after you buy? We'll help you set it up.
Digital download, nothing is posted. This checker is a checking aid, not legal or payroll advice. Terms & licence.
14-day money-back guarantee
If the template doesn't work for you, email info@phkmedia.co.uk within 14 days of purchase and we'll refund you in full — no hoops.
Full policy in our Terms.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Does it work for apprentices?
Yes. Tick Apprentice and enter the start date; the rate changes automatically after the first year once they are 19 or over.
Will it work next April?
Yes. The 1 April 2027 rates are already on the Rates tab; add later years as a new row. Older pay periods keep their own rates. Free updates are sent when the rates change.
What if it doesn't work for me?
You're covered by our 14-day money-back guarantee. If the template doesn't work for you, email info@phkmedia.co.uk within 14 days of purchase and we'll refund you in full — no hoops.
What happens after I pay?
This is a digital product. Nothing physical will be shipped. Your download link appears straight after checkout and is also emailed to you.
Can I get help if I'm stuck?
Yes. Message us at info@phkmedia.co.uk and we'll help you set it up.