Release Date Calculator

Estimate your earliest automatic release date under the Sentencing Act 2026

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Release changes start on 1 October 2026 and are now in law
The Sentencing Act 2026 progression model starts on 1 October 2026, confirmed by SI 2026/953, which revoked the earlier regulations setting a 2 September start. People already in custody move across in stages by sentence length, finishing on 8 June 2027. The Schedule to that instrument lists the offences excluded from the change: as well as rape and serious child sexual offences it covers unlawful killing, cruelty to a child, indecent assault, causing death by driving or cycling and genocide. Release points for those offences do not move.

⚠️ This tool provides estimates only. It does not provide legal advice.

Age at sentencing

Some release rules differ for those sentenced as children (under 18). The youth exception under section 244ZA(6) affects release fractions.

What type of sentence is this?

If you're not sure, check your sentencing paperwork or select "I'm not sure".

Quick Start Templates

Choose a pre-built scenario to quickly populate the calculator with typical values. You can modify any values after selecting a template.

Templates provide starting points only. Always verify your specific details before relying on any calculation.