What is Calcora?
Calcora is an independent website providing free, clear calculators for UK families. Our tools are designed to help parents and families understand their finances quickly, without jargon or complexity.
Independence
Calcora is entirely independent. We are not affiliated with HMRC, GOV.UK, or any government body. We are not affiliated with any financial product or service provider. There are no sponsored results, ads, or paid placements on this site.
Who maintains Calcora?
Calcora is independently built and maintained in the UK. The aim is to turn complicated public rules into elegant, practical tools that parents can understand and check. Questions, corrections and source updates can be sent to hello@calcora.uk.
How our calculators work
Each calculator on Calcora is based on rules published in official UK government sources. We read and implement those rules manually and review them when the source guidance is updated. We do not give financial advice — our tools are for general guidance only.
Tax-Free Childcare Calculator
Based on the UK government's Tax-Free Childcare scheme rules, including the 20% top-up rate, quarterly caps (£500 per child, £1,000 for disabled children), and eligibility criteria.
Official source: GOV.UK — Tax-Free Childcare. Last reviewed against source: August 2026.
Income Tax Calculator UK
Based on HMRC income tax bands, Personal Allowance, National Insurance thresholds, and student loan repayment rules for the selected tax year and UK region.
Official sources: GOV.UK — current and previous Income Tax rates; GOV.UK — National Insurance rates. Last reviewed against source: August 2026.
VAT Calculator
Based on the standard UK VAT rate of 20% as set by HMRC.
Official source: GOV.UK — VAT rates. Last reviewed against source: May 2026.
Free Childcare Hours Calculator
Estimates the main England entitlements, annual and stretched hours, and the earliest term start from a child's date of birth. It distinguishes the working-parent offer, universal 3- and 4-year-old hours and support-based 2-year-old hours.
Official sources: GOV.UK — Free Childcare for Working Parents and the relevant GOV.UK entitlement guidance. Last reviewed against source: August 2026.
Universal Credit Childcare Calculator
Applies the published 85% reimbursement rate and current monthly maximum for one child or two or more children. It estimates only the childcare-cost element, not a complete Universal Credit award.
Official source: GOV.UK — Universal Credit childcare costs. Last reviewed against source: August 2026.
Childcare Cost & Nursery Fees Calculator
Combines a family's own provider fee, booked hours and attendance weeks with an illustrative value for 15 or 30 funded hours and the Tax-Free Childcare top-up. Provider funding rates and extra charges vary, so the result is clearly presented as a planning estimate rather than a nursery quotation.
Official sources: GOV.UK — Free Childcare for Working Parents and Tax-Free Childcare. Last reviewed against source: August 2026.
Return to Work After Childcare Calculator
Estimates monthly take-home pay from a proposed annual salary, then subtracts entered payslip deductions, childcare and travel or other work costs. It also estimates the gross salary whose take-home pay would cover those entered outgoings. It is a payroll planning estimate, not a recommendation about whether someone should return to work.
Official sources: GOV.UK — Income Tax rates and Personal Allowance, employee National Insurance and student-loan thresholds. Last reviewed against source: August 2026.
Tax-Free Childcare vs Universal Credit
Explains the main differences between the two childcare-cost schemes without calculating a complete Universal Credit award or telling a family to end an existing claim. It directs users to the dedicated calculators and official guidance for the figures behind the comparison.
Official sources: GOV.UK — Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit childcare costs. Last reviewed against source: August 2026.
Child Benefit Calculator
Uses the published weekly Child Benefit rates and estimates the High Income Child Benefit Charge from adjusted net income. It shows the calculation separately so users can understand the gross benefit and possible charge.
Official sources: GOV.UK — Child Benefit rates and High Income Child Benefit Charge. Last reviewed against source: August 2026.
Editorial and calculation standards
- Use official UK government sources as the primary authority for rates and eligibility rules.
- Show the method and important limits on the same page as each calculator.
- Keep distinct user questions on distinct pages and avoid publishing thin keyword variations.
- State the country or nation covered where schemes differ across the UK.
- Test boundary cases, caps and representative examples before publishing changes.
- Display a review date and update visible guidance, calculator logic and structured data together.
Accuracy and corrections
We make every effort to keep our calculators accurate and up to date. If you believe a calculation is wrong or guidance has changed, please contact us at hello@calcora.uk. We will investigate and correct any genuine errors promptly.
Always verify important financial decisions using official guidance at GOV.UK before acting.
Our tools
Live calculators and guides: Tax-Free Childcare Calculator, Free Childcare Hours Calculator, Childcare Cost & Nursery Fees Calculator, Return to Work After Childcare Calculator, Universal Credit Childcare Calculator, Tax-Free Childcare vs Universal Credit, Child Benefit Calculator, Income Tax Calculator and VAT Calculator.