Superannuation Calculator Australia 2025-26
See where your super balance will be when you retire.
Project your super balance at retirement. Models employer SG (12%), salary sacrifice, investment returns, fees, insurance drag, and Division 293. Uses ATO 2025-26 rates.
Projections assume a constant return and regular contributions. Actual returns vary.
Select the question that matches where you are right now.
Your result shows the projected super balance or contribution impact using current concessional caps, tax rates, and the growth assumptions you entered.
Use this to plan contribution strategies, model salary sacrifice benefits, or project your retirement balance under different scenarios.
Not a fund statement or guarantee of returns. Actual super balances depend on market performance, fund fees, insurance deductions, and government policy changes.
Uses current ATO concessional and non-concessional caps, Division 293 thresholds, and 15% contributions tax. All calculations run in your browser.
Super outcomes are driven by contribution rate, investment return, fees, and the tax concessions that make super one of the most tax-effective savings structures in Australia.
Concessional (pre-tax) contributions are taxed at 15% inside super — compared to your marginal rate outside. For anyone above the 19% bracket, this is an immediate saving.
Net return (after fees) compounds over decades. A 0.5% fee difference on $200k compounds to tens of thousands over 20 years. Check your fund's total fee.
The earlier contributions are made, the longer they compound at concessional tax rates. Starting salary sacrifice 5 years earlier can add six figures to your retirement balance.
To improve your super outcome, focus on maximising concessional contributions, reviewing fund fees, and using government co-contribution where eligible.
The cap is $30,000/year (2025-26). If your employer contributes 12%, topping up via salary sacrifice to the cap produces the largest tax benefit.
Compare your fund's total fee (admin + investment + insurance) against low-cost alternatives. Consolidating multiple accounts eliminates duplicate fees.
If your income is under $58,445, after-tax contributions may attract a government co-contribution of up to $500.
Super connects to income, tax, and retirement planning. Use these calculators for the broader picture.
Model how your balance grows to retirement under different contribution and return scenarios.
Super growth →See how your assets and income affect Age Pension entitlements in retirement.
Age Pension →See how salary sacrifice to super reduces your taxable income and overall tax bill.
Income tax →How superannuation grows over time
Tax-advantaged compound growth
Super grows through: employer SG contributions (12% of salary from 1 July 2025; Source: ATO — SG percentage), investment earnings (taxed at 15% inside super vs up to 47% outside), and voluntary contributions. The combination of regular contributions and low tax on earnings creates powerful compound growth over decades.
| Starting balance | Annual contribution | Return | Years | Projected balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | $9,600 (SG on $80k) | 7% | 35yr | ~$1,150,000 |
| $50,000 | $12,000 (SG on $100k) | 7.5% | 30yr | ~$1,480,000 |
| $100,000 | $14,400 (SG on $120k) | 7.5% | 25yr | ~$1,470,000 |
| $200,000 | $18,000 (SG on $150k) | 7.5% | 20yr | ~$1,260,000 |
Average super balances by age — Australia 2024
APRA and ABS data for Australian super fund members.
| Age group | Average balance (male) | Average balance (female) | Median balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–29 | ~$25,000 | ~$22,000 | ~$12,000 |
| 30–34 | ~$51,000 | ~$43,000 | ~$27,000 |
| 35–39 | ~$89,000 | ~$72,000 | ~$51,000 |
| 40–44 | ~$140,000 | ~$110,000 | ~$85,000 |
| 45–49 | ~$200,000 | ~$155,000 | ~$122,000 |
| 50–54 | ~$267,000 | ~$205,000 | ~$163,000 |
| 55–59 | ~$350,000 | ~$270,000 | ~$210,000 |
| 60–64 | ~$402,000 | ~$318,000 | ~$232,000 |
Average balances are significantly higher than medians due to high-balance individuals. The gender gap reflects career breaks, part-time work, and lower average wages for women.
How much super do you need to retire?
ASFA Retirement Standard 2025
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) publishes quarterly benchmarks for comfortable and modest retirement standards.
| Standard | Single | Couple | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfortable | $595,000 (lump sum) | $690,000 (lump sum) | Private health, regular travel, reasonable car |
| Modest | ~$100,000 (with pension) | ~$100,000 (with pension) | Basic lifestyle, limited leisure |
The rule of 25
A common retirement planning rule: save 25× your desired annual expenses. To retire on $50,000/year: target $1,250,000 in super (4% withdrawal rate). To retire on $80,000/year: target $2,000,000.
How to grow your super faster
Salary sacrifice
Salary sacrificing an extra $5,000/year from age 35 to 65 (30 years) at 7.5% return produces approximately $580,000 in additional super — from only $150,000 in total contributions. The tax saving and compound growth are transformational.
Check your investment option
The default 'balanced' option suits most members. If you are under 40, consider a 'high growth' option (more shares, less bonds) — historically higher returns over long periods despite more short-term volatility. Review your option every 5 years.
Consolidate multiple accounts
Multiple super accounts mean multiple sets of fees and insurance premiums. Consolidate to your preferred fund to avoid fee drag. Use MyGov to find lost super.
Super in retirement — pension phase and drawdown
Transition to Retirement (TTR)
From preservation age (60 for those born after 1 July 1964), you can commence a Transition to Retirement Income Stream while still working. You can draw up to 10% of your account balance annually. Earnings on TTR assets are taxed at 15%.
Account-Based Pension
Once you retire and meet a condition of release, you can convert your super to an Account-Based Pension. Investment earnings are 0% tax in pension phase. The minimum drawdown is 4–14% of the balance depending on age.
Age pension interaction
The Age Pension (currently $1,144.40/fn single, $1,725.20/fn couple) is means-tested against both income and assets. Super in pension phase counts under the assets test. Strategic planning to maximise the combined super + pension outcome is complex — seek financial advice.
Australian super projections to age 65
Super balance projections
| Salary | Start 25 | Start 35 | Start 45 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60k | $1.1M | $620k | $330k |
| $80k | $1.47M | $830k | $440k |
| $100k | $1.83M | $1.03M | $550k |
| $150k | $2.75M | $1.55M | $825k |
| $200k | $3.67M | $2.07M | $1.1M |
Assumes 12% SG (from July 2025), 7% return, CPI 2.5%, no extras.
With $500/month salary sacrifice
Adds $500k-$1.5M depending on start age. $500/mo × 40 years at 7% = $1.3M. Starting at 25 vs 45: $700k+ difference.
Super fees impact on retirement
Fee over 30 years ($100k start)
| Annual fee | Net return | Final balance | Lost to fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5% (industry) | 6.5% | $661k | — |
| 1.0% (retail avg) | 6.0% | $574k | $87k |
| 1.5% (expensive) | 5.5% | $498k | $163k |
| 2.0% (high-fee) | 5.0% | $432k | $229k |
Industry vs retail
Industry (AustralianSuper, Aware, HESTA): 0.5-1% typical. Retail (AMP, Colonial): 1-2%. APRA heatmap compares performance.
MySuper vs Choice
MySuper default balanced option. Choice: sector selection. Most people: MySuper appropriate. Tinkering often hurts.
Super contribution strategies by income
Low income ($40-60k)
SG 11.5% auto. Govt co-contribution: $500 for $1,000 personal if income under $60,400. Low Income Super Tax Offset up to $500.
Middle income ($60-120k)
Salary sacrifice $100-500/mo. 15% super tax vs 30% marginal. Carry-forward unused cap (last 5 years) if balance under $500k.
High income ($120k+)
Max concessional $30k/yr. Non-concessional $120k/yr. Bring-forward $360k over 3 years. Division 293: 30% tax if total income over $250k.
Pre-retirement (55+)
Transition to Retirement (TTR). Downsizer contribution $300k from home sale ($600k couple). Age 55+.
Retirement (60+)
Convert to pension phase (0% earnings tax to Transfer Balance Cap $1.9m). Tax-free withdrawals. Combine with Age Pension if eligible.
Australian retirement income ASFA standards
ASFA Retirement Standards
| Lifestyle | Single | Couple | Super at 67 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfortable | $51,815 | $73,031 | $595k / $690k |
| Modest | $33,085 | $47,731 | Mostly Age Pension |
4% withdrawal rule
Withdraw 4% year one, inflation-adjust. 30-year safe rate. $1M = $40k/yr. Plus Age Pension ($26k) = ASFA Comfortable with modest super.
Age Pension means test 2024-25
Income: full to $218/fortnight single, cut off ~$2,500. Assets: full to $314k homeowner, cut $697k. Centrelink applies lower of tests.
Super and Age Pension
Super drawdown counts as income. Strategic timing preserves Age Pension eligibility. Means testing complex — get financial advice.
❓ Frequently asked Frequently asked questions
How much super will I have when I retire?
Use this calculator with your current balance, expected annual contributions (employer SG + voluntary), expected return, and years to retirement. Key assumptions: 7–8% annual return (long-term super average), contributions growing with salary increases.
What is the ASFA comfortable retirement standard?
ASFA's Comfortable Retirement Standard requires a lump sum of approximately $595,000 for singles and $690,000 for couples (2025). This provides a private health cover, reasonable car, domestic and occasional international travel, and typical household expenses.
Can I access my super before retirement?
Super is generally preserved until you meet a 'condition of release.' The main conditions: reaching preservation age (60 for most) and retiring, reaching age 65, severe financial hardship, compassionate grounds, terminal medical condition, or death. Accessing super early is strictly controlled by the ATO.
What return should I use for super projections?
APRA data shows the median balanced super fund returned approximately 7–8% annually over the last 10 years. High growth options have returned 8–10%. Conservative options 4–5%. The government's standard projection rate (used by super funds in their modelling) is 7.5% per year before tax.
How does super tax work?
Concessional contributions (employer SG, salary sacrifice) are taxed at 15% on entry to the fund. Investment earnings inside super are taxed at 15% during accumulation phase. In pension phase (after retirement), investment earnings are tax-free. Withdrawals after age 60 are tax-free.
Where these figures come from
Superannuation figures on this page are drawn from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO — super rules and thresholds) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA — fund oversight and performance data).
- Super Guarantee (SG) rate — ATO — Super guarantee percentage.
- Concessional & non-concessional caps — ATO — Key superannuation rates and thresholds.
- Preservation age & condition of release — ATO — When you can access your super.
- Super fund performance & heatmap — APRA — Superannuation.
- Super consumer guidance — ASIC MoneySmart — Super.
Last checked: April 2026. Rates and thresholds are reviewed against the source of record each November, when annual adjustments for the following tax year are published.