Superannuation Calculator
Project your superannuation balance at retirement. See how employer contributions, salary sacrifice, investment returns, and fees impact your retirement income.
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How much super will I have at retirement?
Superannuation Details
SG (Superannuation Guarantee) is 11.5% from July 2024, increasing to 12% by 2025.
Salary sacrifice contributions can reduce your taxable income. Annual concessional contribution limit: A$27,500 (2024-25).
Superannuation Tips
- Salary sacrifice to reduce taxable income and boost retirement savings
- Reach preservation age (60) to access your super
- Review your investment strategy regularly for optimal growth
Status: Comfortable Retirement
Preservation Age
You can access your super in 25 years at age 60(preservation age). Before then, your super remains locked away.
Balance Breakdown at Age 67
Optimise Your Superannuation
Review your super fund's performance and find ways to maximise growth through better investment strategy and salary sacrifice.
Explore Australian SuperFind the right super fund for your needs
Year-by-Year Projection
| Age | Super Balance | Employer Contrib | Your Contrib | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | A$170,850 | A$10,350 | A$0 | A$10,500 |
| 40 | A$299,146.11 | A$10,350 | A$0 | A$18,893 |
| 45 | A$479,088.05 | A$10,350 | A$0 | A$30,665 |
| 50 | A$731,465.92 | A$10,350 | A$0 | A$47,176 |
| 55 | A$1,085,438.94 | A$10,350 | A$0 | A$70,333 |
| 60 | A$1,581,904.41 | A$10,350 | A$0 | A$102,812 |
| 65 | A$2,278,222.91 | A$10,350 | A$0 | A$148,366 |
| 67 | A$2,629,761.91 | A$10,350 | A$0 | A$171,363 |
Assumptions: 7% annual investment return, no salary growth, current contribution rates. Actual results may vary. This is not financial advice. Consult a financial adviser before making decisions.
How to Use This Superannuation Calculator
Our superannuation calculator helps you forecast your retirement savings. It factors in employer contributions, your salary sacrifice contributions, investment growth, and inflation:
- Enter Your Current Super Balance: Find this on your latest super statement or login to your provider's portal
- Input Your Current Age & Retirement Age: Typically 67 for current workers, but you can retire from 60 if you meet requirements
- Add Your Annual Salary: This determines employer contributions (currently 11.5% of ordinary time earnings)
- Include Salary Sacrifice Contributions: Pre-tax contributions save up to 32% in taxes versus post-tax contributions
- Set Investment Return & Fees: Conservative (4-5%), Balanced (6-7%), Growth (7-8%) portfolios have different risk/return profiles
- Review Your Projected Balance: See your estimated super at retirement and withdrawal options available
Understanding Superannuation Contributions
Compulsory Employer Contributions (Super Guarantee)
Since 1 July 2025, employers must contribute 11.5% of ordinary time earnings into your super. This rate is legislated to increase to 12% in 2025-26. This is compulsory and separate from your salary — employers pay it directly to your super fund.
Salary Sacrifice Contributions
Salary sacrifice lets you contribute part of your salary to super before tax. Since super contributions are taxed at only 15% (versus up to 47% income tax), you keep more of the money. Maximum annual non-concessional contributions are limited.
Personal Contributions (After-Tax)
You can contribute your own money after tax, though this is less tax-efficient than salary sacrifice. Personal contributions don't receive employer matching in Australia, unlike some overseas retirement plans.
Co-contributions (Low-Income Earners)
If you earn under AUD $58,445, the government may contribute dollar-for-dollar (up to a limit) for personal contributions you make. This effectively doubles your contribution power if eligible.
Investment Options & Risk Profiles
Capital Stable / Conservative (4-5% returns)
Heavy allocation to bonds and cash. Minimal volatility but low growth. Suitable if you're retiring within 5 years or cannot tolerate large portfolio swings.
Balanced / Moderate (6-7% returns)
Mix of shares (40-50%), bonds, and property. Moderate risk and return. Suitable for most workers aged 40-60 with a reasonable risk tolerance.
Growth (7-8% returns)
Heavy allocation to shares (80%+) and alternative assets. Higher volatility but stronger long-term growth. Suitable for younger workers (under 45) or those comfortable with market fluctuations.
Important: Past performance doesn't guarantee future returns. Actual returns vary by year and market conditions.
Maximising Your Super
1. Use Salary Sacrifice
Contributing via salary sacrifice saves 32% in taxes compared to post-tax contributions. If you earn AUD $100,000 and salary sacrifice AUD $10,000 annually, you save AUD $3,200 in taxes.
2. Review Your Investment Strategy
Your risk tolerance should decrease as you approach retirement. Young workers (25-45) can afford growth portfolios. Mid-career (45-55) should consider balanced growth. Pre-retirement (55+) should shift toward conservative assets.
3. Consolidate Multiple Super Accounts
If you've changed jobs, you may have multiple super accounts. Consolidating into one account reduces fees and simplifies management. Check for lost super at ASIC's MoneySmart website.
4. Monitor Fees & Insurance
Super fees (typically 0.5-1.5% annually) significantly impact long-term growth. A 1% fee difference costs tens of thousands over 30 years. Review your insurance (life, TPD, income protection) — you may have duplicate policies from multiple accounts.
5. Claim the Tax Deduction
Personal contributions (non-salary sacrifice) can be tax-deducted if you're not claiming the benefits as an employee. Claim on your tax return to recover the difference between 47% and 15% tax.
Optimise Your Super Strategy
Australian Super and other major providers offer free guidance on maximising your retirement savings. Work with a financial adviser to optimise your contributions, investment mix, and insurance within your super.
Get Free Super Review →Retirement Income & Access Rules
Preservation Age & Retirement Age
Most workers reach preservation age at 60. You can access super in limited circumstances (hardship, disability) from preservation age. Full access requires reaching your retirement age (currently 67) or later.
Pension vs Lump Sum
At retirement, you can take a lump sum, pension, or combination. Pensions provide regular income and tax benefits (no tax on earnings for over-60s). Lump sums provide immediate flexibility but require careful budgeting.
Minimum Pension Withdrawals
Once you start a super pension, you must withdraw a minimum percentage annually (age-based). For example, at age 70 you must withdraw at least 7% annually. This ensures super funds don't grow indefinitely tax-free.
FAQ: Superannuation Calculator
How accurate is this superannuation calculator?
This calculator uses standard retirement projection models with published assumptions for investment returns and inflation. Results are estimates and depend heavily on your actual investment performance. Consult a licensed financial adviser for personalised advice.
Can I access my super early?
Limited circumstances allow early access: severe financial hardship, permanent incapacity, and a few others. Generally, super is locked in until you reach preservation age (60) or retirement age (67+). First Home Super Saver Scheme allows limited withdrawals for home purchases.
Do I need to worry about super fees?
Absolutely. Over 30 years, a difference of 0.5% in annual fees can reduce your super balance by 15-20%. Compare your provider's fees (admin fee + investment fee + insurance fees). Many public sector super schemes have very low fees.
What happens to my super when I change jobs?
Your super remains in your existing fund unless you choose to move it. You'll get a new employer account when you start a new job. Most people consolidate into one fund, but don't auto-consolidate without reviewing fees and performance first.
Is super income-tested in retirement?
Super pensions are not income-tested for Age Pension purposes (after reaching age 60), but lump sums and earnings are. Work with a financial planner to structure your retirement income tax-efficiently.