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🏖️ Pension Calculator

UK retirement projections & income

yrs
£
£
Auto-enrolment: 5% employee + 3% employer on qualifying earnings (£6,240–£50,270)
%
Minimum 3% for auto-enrolment
%
Nominal (before inflation)
%
CPI assumption
yrs
35 years for full State Pension; minimum 10 for any payment

Projected Pot at Retirement

at age (nominal)
In Today's Money
adjusted for inflation at %
Total Contributions
Investment Growth

Pot Growth Over Time

Contributions Growth

Projected Retirement Income

Drawdown (4%)
Annuity (~6%)
Tax-Free Lump Sum (25%)
⚠️ Max £268,275 — excess is taxable
State Pension (estimated)
£/week · qualifying years · State Pension age:
Total Income (Drawdown + State)
PLSA Benchmarks (single)
Minimum £14,400/yr
Moderate £31,300/yr
Comfortable £43,100/yr
£
£ tax-free, remaining £ provides income

Drawdown vs Annuity

📉 Drawdown
Annual Income
Monthly
Weekly
📜 Annuity (~6%)
Annual Income
Monthly
Weekly
Tax-Free Lump Sum Received
⚠️ Cap: £268,275 — excess taxed as income
💡 Drawdown: your money stays invested, income can vary. Annuity: guaranteed income for life, but you lose the pot.

How Long Pot Lasts (Drawdown)

Assumes 5% investment growth on remaining pot. 4% rule = sustainable withdrawal; 3.5% = more conservative.

Your State Pension

State Pension Age
Reach on:
Years Until SPA
Full New State Pension
£230.25/wk
£11,973/yr (2025/26)
yrs

Your State Pension Estimate

Estimated State Pension
Qualifying Years
Years Short of Full
⚠️ You need more qualifying years for the full State Pension. Each missing year reduces your pension by ~£/week.

Buy Extra Years (Class 3 NICs)

Cost
£17.75/week × 52
Extra Pension from Bought Years

Deferring State Pension

Defer By (weeks)
1% increase per 9 weeks deferred (~5.8% per year)
Deferral Increase
Boosted Pension

State Pension Age Rules (2025/26)

Born before 6 Apr 1960 → 66
Born 6 Apr 1960 – 5 Mar 1961 → 66 + transition months
Born 6 Mar 1961 – 5 Apr 1977 → 67
Born after 5 Apr 1977 → 68
Triple Lock: increases by highest of CPI, average earnings, or 2.5%
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⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute financial advice. Pension values depend on investment performance, charges, tax rules, and legislation — all of which can change. State Pension figures use 2025/26 rates. Annuity rates are indicative. Consult a qualified financial adviser before making pension decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

How to Use This Pension Calculator

  1. Enter your current age and salary This is used to project your pension growth over time.
  2. Add your current pension pot If you've already got a pension, enter the current value. Leave at zero if you're starting from scratch.
  3. Set your contributions Enter what you pay in (and what your employer pays, if applicable) as a percentage or fixed amount.
  4. Check your state pension age The calculator shows when you'll reach state pension age based on current government rules.
  5. See your projected retirement income View your estimated pension pot at retirement and what income it might provide, whether as drawdown or an annuity.

Use Cases

Checking if you're saving enough. Most people drastically underestimate how much they need in retirement. This calculator shows your projected pension pot and what monthly income it's likely to generate, helping you see if you're on track or need to increase contributions.

Deciding between drawdown and annuity. When you retire, you can take a flexible income (drawdown) or buy a guaranteed income (annuity). The calculator projects both so you can compare. Annuities give certainty; drawdown gives flexibility but your money could run out.

Planning your retirement age. Wondering if you can retire early? See what difference working a few more years makes to your pot. The state pension age tab shows when you'll qualify for the state pension, which for many people is much later than they expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What growth rate should I use?

A typical pension fund invested mostly in shares might return 4–6% above inflation over the long term. The calculator defaults to a realistic rate, but you can adjust it. Remember: past performance doesn't guarantee future returns, and higher growth assumptions mean higher risk.

When will I get the state pension?

The state pension age is currently 66 and rising. It's scheduled to reach 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046. The calculator uses current government timetables, but be aware these could change. the state pension age has been increased several times already.

What's the lifetime allowance?

The lifetime allowance was abolished in April 2024 and replaced with a lump sum allowance of £268,275 and a lump sum death benefit allowance. There is no longer a cap on the total amount you can save in your pension, though tax-free cash is limited.

Does this include the 25% tax-free lump sum?

Yes, the calculator accounts for the 25% tax-free cash option. When projecting drawdown or annuity income, it factors in that a quarter of your pot can be taken tax-free, with the remainder taxed as income.

Is this financial advice?

No. This calculator provides estimates for illustration only. Pension projections depend on investment returns, inflation, tax rules, and your personal circumstances. all of which can change. Always consult a qualified financial adviser before making pension decisions.

Is my data private?

Yes. All calculations run in your browser. Your pension details never leave your device.

Why Use This Pension Calculator?

Pension projections from your provider are often optimistic and don't account for inflation or the real purchasing power of your pot at retirement. This calculator lets you adjust growth rates, contribution levels, and retirement age so you can model different scenarios.

It's private, works offline, and doesn't require an account. No pension company will contact you after using it. unlike many "free" pension checkers that are really lead-generation tools.

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