Superannuation Calculator
Project your super balance at retirement with our comprehensive Australian superannuation calculator. See how employer contributions, salary sacrifice, and investment returns grow your retirement savings.
Personal Details
Contributions
Minimum: 12% (2024-25)
Pre-tax contributions, taxed at 15% in super
After-tax (non-concessional) contributions
Investment Assumptions
Historical average: 7-8% p.a. (balanced option)
Understanding Australian Superannuation
Superannuation (super) is Australia's compulsory retirement savings system. Your employer must contribute a percentage of your salary to a super fund, where it grows over your working life to provide income in retirement.
Compulsory Contributions
Employers must pay at least 12% of your ordinary time earnings (from July 2025) into your super fund. This is called the Superannuation Guarantee (SG).
Tax Advantages
Super is taxed at 15% on contributions and earnings - much lower than most income tax rates. This makes it an effective wealth-building tool.
Preservation
You generally can't access your super until you reach preservation age (60 for most people) and retire, or reach age 65.
Superannuation Guarantee (SG) Rates
The SG rate has been gradually increasing and will continue to rise until reaching 12%:
| Financial Year | SG Rate | On $100,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 11% | $11,000 |
| 2024-25 | 11.5% | $11,500 |
| 2025-26 (current) | 12% | $12,000 |
| 2026-27 onwards | 12% (legislated cap) | $12,000 |
Contribution Caps — FY 2025-26 & FY 2026-27
Concessional (Pre-Tax)
per year — FY 2025-26
Rising to $32,500 from 1 July 2026
- Includes employer SG contributions
- Includes salary sacrifice
- Includes personal deductible contributions
- Taxed at 15% in the fund
Non-Concessional (After-Tax)
per year — FY 2025-26
Rising to $130,000 from 1 July 2026
- Personal contributions from after-tax income
- Not taxed when contributed
- Can bring forward 3 years ($360,000 → $390,000 from Jul 2026)
- Must have super balance below $2.0m TBC (rising to $2.1m Jul 2026)
Exceeding Caps
Excess concessional contributions are taxed at your marginal rate plus 20% interest charge. Excess non-concessional contributions may attract 47% tax. Monitor your contributions carefully.
Salary Sacrifice Benefits
Salary sacrificing to super is one of the most effective tax minimization strategies available to Australians. Here's how the tax savings work:
| Taxable Income | Marginal Rate | Super Tax | Tax Saving | Save on $10,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,201 - $45,000 | 16% | 15% | 1% | $100 |
| $45,001 - $135,000 | 30% | 15% | 15% | $1,500 |
| $135,001 - $190,000 | 37% | 15% | 22% | $2,200 |
| $190,001+ | 45% | 15% | 30% | $3,000 |
Note: High income earners (over $250,000 combined income + super) pay an additional 15% tax on concessional contributions (Division 293 tax).
Government Co-Contribution
If you're a low or middle income earner and make personal after-tax contributions to your super, the government may match up to 50 cents for every $1 you contribute.
Eligibility Requirements
- Total income less than $62,488 (FY 2025-26)
- At least 10% of income from employment
- Under age 71 at end of financial year
- Lodge a tax return
- Super balance below $2.0 million (Transfer Balance Cap)
Co-Contribution Amounts
Super Investment Options
Your super fund invests your money across different asset classes. The investment option you choose affects both your potential returns and risk level.
| Option | Growth Assets | Risk Level | Target Return | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Growth | 85-100% | High | CPI + 4-5% | 20+ years to retirement |
| Growth | 70-85% | Medium-High | CPI + 3.5-4% | 10-20 years to retirement |
| Balanced | 50-70% | Medium | CPI + 3% | Default option (most common) |
| Conservative | 30-50% | Low-Medium | CPI + 2% | 5-10 years to retirement |
| Cash | 0% | Very Low | CPI + 0-1% | Near retirement / capital protection |
CPI = Consumer Price Index (inflation). Returns are long-term objectives after fees and before tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much super will I have at retirement?
Your retirement balance depends on your current balance, salary, contribution rate, investment returns, and years until retirement. For example, a 35-year-old with $100,000 super, earning $100,000 salary with 12% employer contributions and 7% returns could have approximately $1.3 million by age 67.
What is the superannuation guarantee rate?
The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate is 12% for FY 2025-26 (the final legislated rate, in effect since 1 July 2025). It remains at 12% for FY 2026-27 and onwards. Employers must contribute at least this percentage of your ordinary time earnings to your super fund.
Should I salary sacrifice to super?
Salary sacrificing is generally beneficial if your marginal tax rate exceeds 15%. Super contributions are taxed at 15% vs your marginal rate of up to 45%. The higher your income, the more tax you save. However, remember you can't access these funds until preservation age (typically 60).
What is the concessional contribution cap?
The concessional (pre-tax) contribution cap is $30,000 per year for 2024-25. This includes employer SG contributions, salary sacrifice, and personal deductible contributions. You may be able to use unused cap space from previous years if your balance is below $500,000.
When can I access my super?
You can access your super when you reach preservation age (60 for those born after 1 July 1964) and retire, or when you turn 65 regardless of work status. In some circumstances, you may be able to access super early (severe financial hardship, terminal illness, etc.).
How is super taxed in retirement?
Once you're 60 or over, super income streams and lump sum withdrawals are generally tax-free. Before 60, the taxed component is taxed at your marginal rate less a 15% offset. The tax-free component is always tax-free.
What happens to my super if I die?
Your super goes to your nominated beneficiaries or dependants. Tax may apply depending on who receives it and their relationship to you. Spouses and financial dependants typically receive it tax-free; non-dependants may pay tax on the taxable component.
Related Resources
Superannuation Strategies to Maximize Your Nest Egg
Smart super strategies including salary sacrifice and co-contributions.
Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay and see how salary sacrifice affects your tax.
Australian Tax Brackets 2025-26
Understand tax brackets to optimize your super contributions.
Depreciation Calculator
Calculate depreciation for SMSF investment properties.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on current superannuation rules and assumed investment returns. Actual results will vary based on investment performance, fees, inflation, and legislative changes. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking advice from a licensed financial adviser before making superannuation decisions.