UK PAYE tool
Payslip Compare
Compare any two UK payslips. Every line, every delta, with a hedged note on what may explain it.
Note: this page also responds to /compare for legacy links.
What a result looks like
A: gross £2,500, net £1,950. B: gross £2,800, net £2,140. Net up £190 - aligns with the £300 gross uplift.
What we check
- Each numeric line.
- Net pay.
- Tax code change.
- NI category change.
When to use this tool
- Comparing job offers.
- Promotion vs previous role.
- Pre-and-post pay review.
- Switching from monthly to weekly pay.
What the result bands mean
Identical net
No material change.
Higher take-home
B is favourable on the figures.
Lower take-home
B costs you more on the figures - worth reviewing.
Common mistakes
- Mixing pay frequencies.
- Forgetting to include pension on both sides.
- Comparing gross only and ignoring deductions.
Worked example
Old role: £40k offer. Net per month ≈ £2,540.
New role: £45k offer + 2% extra pension. Net per month ≈ £2,640.
Difference £100/mo. Pot grows £900/yr more. Worth reviewing both lines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference vs Why-Pay-Lower?
Why-Pay-Lower focuses on month-over-month drops. Compare is general - any two payslips from any time.
Can I compare two job offers?
Yes - enter the projected payslip values for each role.
Does it pull data from my payslip PDF?
Not in this version. Manual entry keeps your data on your device.
What if the pay periods are different lengths?
Annualise both first (e.g. multiply weekly by 52).
How accurate is the comparison?
Arithmetic is exact. The 'why' commentary is heuristic - worth reviewing with payroll.
Sources
- HMRC: PAYE operation guidance.
- HMRC: NI category letters.
Last verified: 2026-05-03.
Disclaimer: Educational guidance only. Not tax advice.