Childcare Cost Calculator
Our childcare calculator estimates net childcare costs after government support. Tax-Free Childcare gives eligible working parents £2 for every £8 they pay (up to £2,000/year per child).
Childcare Cost Calculator
Calculate childcare costs and Tax-Free Childcare savings for 2026/27.
Free hours entitlement and Tax-Free Childcare eligibility depend on employment status, income, and child age. Check gov.uk for your specific entitlement.
Enter the number of children and their ages. The government free hours entitlement was significantly expanded in 2024-25: children aged 9 months and above now qualify for 15 hours of funded childcare per week for 38 term-time weeks per year. Working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years can claim 30 hours if both parents earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours at National Minimum Wage. Enter the hourly rate charged by your provider for hours beyond the funded entitlement. The calculator shows total annual childcare cost, the value of free hours, and the net cost after Tax-Free Childcare if applicable. Tax-Free Childcare cannot be used alongside Universal Credit — use whichever is worth more for your circumstances.