How big is the UK economy (GDP)?

The ONS measures the size of the UK economy as gross domestic product (GDP). It publishes a monthly GDP estimate, a first quarterly estimate about six weeks after each quarter, and later revisions as more data arrives.

Figures come in two forms: current prices (cash value) and chained volume measures (adjusted for inflation). Growth claims should use the inflation-adjusted figures. For comparisons with other countries see how UK GDP compares.

Official sources: ONS GDP · GDP monthly estimate (latest)

The latest figure

The newest value is at Office for National Statistics (ONS). More on it: UK GDP growth (quarterly).

When is the next figure out?

First quarterly estimate about six weeks after the quarter ends, revised in the quarterly national accounts at the end of the following quarter, 7am; next release 12 November 2026

Every official release due in the next two weeks is on the release calendar.

Terms used in this answer

• Quarter-on-quarter change
  The change from one three-month period to the next, such as April to June compared with January to March. Used for GDP growth.
• Nominal GDP
  Gross domestic product measured at current prices, without adjusting for inflation. Used for debt-to-GDP and spending-to-GDP ratios.
• Chained volume measure
  The ONS method for showing GDP and other output after removing price changes, by linking year-to-year volume changes together. This is 'real' GDP.
• Calendar year
  January to December. Used for GDP annual totals, registered deaths and many international comparisons, unlike the April to March financial year.
• Output gap
  The difference between what the economy is actually producing and an estimate of what it could produce sustainably. It cannot be measured directly.
• Technical recession
  Two consecutive quarters of falling real GDP. A widely used rule of thumb rather than a legal or official definition.

Where the figures come from

• UK labour market statistics (ONS, Nomis and the gender pay gap reporting service)
  How to find official UK figures on jobs, vacancies, zero-hours contracts, strikes, public sector jobs, sickness, inactivity and pay gaps, and check claims.
• UK trade statistics (ONS, HMRC uktradeinfo and Department for Business and Trade)
  Where to find official UK trade figures: the ONS trade bulletin and balance of payments, HMRC uktradeinfo by product code, and DBT country factsheets.
• UK poverty and household income statistics (DWP, ONS, DESNZ, Low Pay Commission and devolved governments)
  Where to find official UK poverty, household income, inequality, minimum wage and fuel poverty figures, and how to check claims about them.

Related questions

• Is the UK in recession?
• What is UK GDP per capita?
• How is UK productivity measured?

This answer says where the official figures are published and how they are defined. It gives no verdict on any claim. To report an error, send a correction request. More questions about economy, jobs and wages: all Economy, jobs and wages questions.