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Maintenance Loan Calculator

Last updated: 10 July 2026Information correct for tax year: 2026/27

Use this maintenance loan calculator to test a UK scenario. Enter your own figures, review the formula trace and compare the result with the official source before making a material decision.

By FinanceHub UK Editorial TeamReviewed by role: Student-finance specialist and tax reviewer for repayment formulasCalculations run in your browser

Quick answer

Maintenance Loan Calculator provides a transparent UK planning estimate using the inputs shown, a visible formula trace and a versioned 2026/27 method. Check every statutory rate or threshold against the linked official source. The result is educational and is not an official assessment, provider quote or personalised advice.

Calculator

Enter your numbers

Enter the official maximum for your scenario.
Enter household income.
Enter official minimum percentage for the scenario.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter figures for one clearly defined scenario.
  2. Check the effective date, jurisdiction and official source.
  3. Review the formula trace and test a second scenario before acting.

Explanation

What it is

Maintenance Loan Calculator provides a transparent UK planning estimate using the inputs shown, a visible formula trace and a versioned 2026/27 method. Check every statutory rate or threshold against the linked official source. The result is educational and is not an official assessment, provider quote or personalised advice.

How it works

Course year, location, final-year status and nation can change the formula.

When to use it

Use it to compare scenarios, prepare questions and understand the effect of each input before checking the official assessment or provider terms.

Limitations

  • The result is an estimate based only on the displayed inputs.
  • Rates, thresholds and provider terms may change after the effective date.
  • The tool does not replace an official calculation, regulated advice or a personalised offer.

Key terms

Estimate
A result produced from the displayed inputs and assumptions, not a guaranteed outcome.
Effective date
The date or tax year for which a changing rule or rate has been checked.
Formula trace
The visible sequence showing how inputs become the result.

Formula

How we calculate this

Course year, location, final-year status and nation can change the formula.

Outside-London illustration: reduce maximum by £1 for each £6.47 of household income above £25,000, subject to the entered floor

Statutory or methodological reference:GOV.UK official guidance — Repaying Your Student Loan.

Formula trace: Plan-specific statutory threshold and marginal repayment model using pay-period rules, concurrent plans and overseas thresholds; version by tax year.

Worked example

For annual earnings of £40,000 on Plan 2, the 2026/27 threshold is £29,385 and the annualised repayment estimate is 9% of earnings above that threshold. Payroll deductions use pay-period rules. Check the governing rule at GOV.UK official guidance — Repaying Your Student Loan.

FAQ

What does the maintenance loan calculator calculate?

Course year, location, final-year status and nation can change the formula.

Which source should I check?

Use the linked GOV.UK official guidance — Repaying Your Student Loan page and confirm that its effective date matches your scenario.

Is the result an official assessment?

No. It is an educational estimate and may omit facts used by an authority, adviser or provider.

Why can my real result differ?

Pay-period rules, tax codes, household facts, reliefs, fees, provider criteria and later policy changes can alter the result.

When should I recalculate?

Recalculate after any change in income, balance, rate, term, tax year, household facts or official policy.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing monthly and annual inputs.
  • Using an old or promotional rate without checking its date and conditions.
  • Treating an estimate as a binding decision or guaranteed product outcome.

Tips

  • Save the inputs and effective date.
  • Change one assumption at a time.
  • Compare the result with the specific official source before acting.

Related calculators

calculatorStudent Finance CalculatorStudent Finance Calculator with a transparent formula, 2026/27 effective date, worked UK example, official sources and visible review status.

Related guides

articleShould You Pay Off Your Student Loan Early?Should You Pay Off Your Student Loan Early?: a detailed UK guide with a direct answer, worked numerical example, official source citations, limitations, review metadata and practical next steps.

Sources and editorial review

Author and review

Author: FinanceHub UK Editorial Team — Editorial. Editorial policy.

Reviewed by role: Student-finance specialist and tax reviewer for repayment formulas. Named qualified reviewer sign-off is pending before production.

Review record date: 2026-07-10. Next review due: 2027-03-01.