Superannuation Calculator
Project your super balance at retirement with Super Guarantee + salary sacrifice contributions. Free, privacy-first — inputs never leave your browser.
Details
Result
Super at Retirement
A$2,465,139
Employer (SG)
A$689,268
Voluntary
A$0
Annual Income (4%)
A$98,606
For estimation only. Not professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making decisions. Full disclaimer.
How super works
Your employer pays 12% of your ordinary time earnings into your super fund (Super Guarantee, per the ATO). The money is locked until preservation age (60 for most), and earnings inside super are taxed at just 15% — far less than your marginal income tax rate.
Salary sacrifice is the best tax play
Concessional contributions (up to $30,000/year including SG) are taxed at only 15% in super. If your marginal rate is 30% or higher, every dollar sacrificed into super saves 15%+ in tax immediately, and compounds tax-advantaged for decades.
The 4% rule
Once retired, withdrawing 4% of your balance annually is considered sustainable for 30+ years. A $1M balance = $40k/yr tax-free income (if you\'re 60+). Use this to reverse-engineer your target balance.
Common questions about Super
What is the Super Guarantee rate in 2026?+
12% from 1 July 2025 onwards (final step of scheduled increases). Paid by employer on top of your salary. Concessional contributions cap: $30,000/year.
Is salary sacrifice worth it?+
For most earners yes — contributions taxed at 15% inside super vs your marginal rate (up to 47%). Particularly valuable for earners above $45k (30%+ marginal).
When can I access my super?+
Preservation age (60 for those born after 1 July 1964). Can take as lump sum or pension. Tax-free if 60+.
What are non-concessional contributions and their caps?+
After-tax contributions from your own money (no tax deduction). Cap: $120,000/year (2026-27, indexed) for those under 75. Bring-forward rule lets under-65s contribute up to $360,000 in one year using three years' caps. Eligibility phases out when your total super balance exceeds $1.9 million. Ideal for: pre-retirement catch-up, inheritance lump sums, proceeds from downsizing (additional $300k "downsizer contribution" over-55s). No tax inside super on the contribution; earnings taxed at 15%.
How do co-contributions and spouse contributions work?+
Government co-contribution: earn under $45,400 (2026-27) and make after-tax contribution — government adds 50c per $1 up to $500. Tapers out at $60,400. Spouse contribution: $3,000 after-tax contribution to a low-income spouse (<$40k) earns you a $540 tax offset. Contribution splitting: transfer up to 85% of last year's concessional contributions to spouse's super, useful to equalise balances to access two $1.9m transfer balance caps in retirement.
How is super taxed when I die?+
Lump sum paid to a "tax dependant" (spouse, minor child, financial dependant) is tax-free. Paid to a "non-tax dependant" (adult child): the taxable component is taxed at 17% (including 2% Medicare), tax-free component is tax-free. Strategy: cash out and re-contribute before death (if over 60, under 75) to convert taxable to tax-free component — can save adult children $50k-$150k on a typical super balance. Binding Death Benefit Nominations (3-year renewal) ensure trustee follows your wishes.