How to use the super balance calculator
- 1 Enter your age and retirement age.
- 2 Enter your super balance and salary.
- 3 Enter any extra concessional contributions.
- 4 Enter return, fees and salary growth.
Worked example
A 30-year-old with $45,000 in super and an $85,000 salary rising 3% a year, at a 7% return and 0.8% fees. By 67 the balance could reach about $2.12 million, about $849,000 in today's dollars. A 5% drawdown would give about $105,800 a year in future dollars.
How much super is enough?
- Preservation age is 60 for anyone born after 30 June 1964; you can usually access super once you retire after that age, or at 65 regardless.
- Retirement standards: industry estimates such as the ASFA standard suggest how much a modest or comfortable retirement costs.
- Age Pension: many retirees combine super with a part Age Pension from 67, subject to income and assets tests.
- Fees matter: a 1% difference in yearly fees can cut a balance by a large share over a career.
Add more with the Salary Sacrifice Calculator or a spouse contribution. Low income? Check the Super Co-contribution Calculator.
Features
12% super guarantee
Employer contributions on your salary every year.
Contributions tax
15% taken off contributions.
Today's dollars
Adjusted for 2.5% inflation.
Income guide
Yearly income at a 5% drawdown.
When to use it
Retirement planning
See whether you are on track. Boost it with the Salary Sacrifice Calculator.
Extra contributions
Test the effect of salary sacrifice. Low income? Use the Super Co-contribution Calculator.
Fees
See how fee differences add up. Check the cap with the Concessional Contributions Calculator.
Choosing an option
Compare growth and balanced returns. Contribute for a partner with the Spouse Super Contribution Calculator.
Related Pay and Super tasks
Frequently asked questions
What is the super guarantee rate?
12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2025.
What return should I use?
Balanced and growth options have often returned 6% to 8% a year over long periods before fees, but returns vary.
Why do fees matter?
A 0.5% difference in fees can reduce your balance by tens of thousands of dollars over a career.
When can I access super?
At preservation age, 60 for anyone born after 30 June 1964, once retired, or at 65.
How much super do I need?
It depends on your lifestyle and whether you own a home and get the Age Pension. Industry standards suggest a comfortable single retirement needs a balance of several hundred thousand dollars.
Is this in today's dollars?
The main figure is in future dollars; the second row adjusts for 2.5% inflation.
Does it include the Age Pension?
No. Many retirees also get a part Age Pension.
What is payday super?
From 1 July 2026, employers must pay super at the same time as wages.
Do extra after-tax contributions help?
Yes. Non-concessional contributions up to $130,000 a year are not taxed going in.
Is super taxed in retirement?
Withdrawals after 60 are generally tax-free, and earnings in retirement phase are tax-free up to the transfer balance cap.
Can I change investment options?
Yes. Most funds let you switch online. Higher-growth options suit long timeframes but rise and fall more.
What if I have more than one fund?
Consolidating funds can save fees and insurance premiums, but check insurance first.
Does super have insurance?
Most funds include default life, disability and income protection cover, paid from your balance.
Can my partner contribute for me?
Yes. Spouse contributions can earn the contributor a tax offset of up to $540 if your income is low.
Results are estimates based on the official rates linked above. Confirm important figures with the issuing authority or a qualified adviser before you act on them.
Built and reviewed by Hamza Farooq, founder and lead developer
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