What is the current superannuation guarantee rate in Australia?

The superannuation guarantee rate is 11.5% for the 2025-26 financial year. It is legislated to increase to 12% from 1 July 2026 and remain at that level going forward. Employers must pay this percentage of an employee's ordinary time earnings into their nominated super fund.

How are voluntary super contributions taxed?

Voluntary contributions can be either concessional (before-tax, taxed at 15% in the fund) or non-concessional (after-tax, not taxed again in the fund). Concessional contributions are capped at $30,000 per year including employer contributions. Non-concessional contributions are capped at $120,000 per year.

At what age can I access my superannuation?

Your preservation age depends on your date of birth. For people born after 1 July 1964, the preservation age is 60. You can access your super when you reach preservation age and retire, or when you turn 65 regardless of employment status. There are limited early access provisions for severe financial hardship or compassionate grounds.

What investment return should I assume for superannuation?

Long-term average returns for balanced super funds in Australia have been around 7-8% per annum before fees over the past 30 years. After fees and inflation, a more conservative estimate of 5-6% real return is commonly used for planning purposes. Your actual return will depend on your fund's investment option and market conditions.

Superannuation Calculator

Project your Australian super balance at retirement with employer and voluntary contributions.

Current Age

Current Super Balance (A$)

Annual Salary (A$)

Employer Contribution (%)

Voluntary Contribution (A$/month)

Expected Return (% p.a.)

Retirement Age

Projected Super at Retirement

Total Employer Contributions

Total Voluntary Contributions

Total Investment Earnings

Understanding Australian Superannuation

Superannuation is Australia's compulsory retirement savings system. Employers are legally required to contribute a percentage of each employee's ordinary time earnings into a registered super fund. For the 2025-26 financial year, the superannuation guarantee rate is 11.5%, rising to 12% from 1 July 2026. These contributions, combined with investment returns, form the cornerstone of retirement funding for most Australians.

How This Calculator Works

This calculator projects your super balance at retirement by compounding your current balance alongside ongoing employer and voluntary contributions. Each month, the calculator adds your employer's contribution (a percentage of your annual salary divided by 12) plus any voluntary monthly contribution, then applies the expected investment return. The projection assumes a constant salary, contribution rate and return for simplicity.

Boosting Your Super

Even small voluntary contributions can have a dramatic effect over decades thanks to compound interest. Salary sacrificing into super is tax-effective because concessional contributions are taxed at just 15% inside the fund, compared to your marginal income tax rate outside it. The concessional contributions cap is currently $30,000 per year, including employer contributions.

Use this calculator to experiment with different contribution levels, salary scenarios and retirement ages. Understanding the long-term impact of your choices today can help you take control of your financial future and ensure a comfortable retirement.

This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for decisions specific to your situation.

Superannuation Calculator

Understanding Australian Superannuation

How This Calculator Works

Boosting Your Super

Frequently Asked Questions

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