Free Australian Super Calculator
Take control of your financial future with Australia’s most detailed superannuation calculator.
Project your retirement balance, optimize tax strategies, and discover how small changes today can create extraordinary wealth for tomorrow.
Calculate your retirement future in 3 simple steps.
Enter Your Details
Provide your age, income, and current super balance.
Add Contributions
Include any voluntary contributions you plan to make.
See Your Future
Instantly get a detailed projection and visual breakdown.
Superannuation Calculator
Project your retirement balance
4Advanced Settings
Estimated balance at age 67
$0
≈ $0/year retirement income
Summary
Your Super Summary
Balance Breakdown
Superannuation Guarantee (SG) Rate 2025-26
Employers must contribute 12% of ordinary time earnings. This is the final legislated rate increase under the SG schedule.
Balance Projection
See how your super could grow over time.
Adding $50/week more
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Retiring 2 years later
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Retirement Income Rule
The 4-5% rule suggests you can withdraw about 4-5% of your balance annually.
Balance Breakdown
See where your retirement savings come from.
Year-by-Year
Contribution Comparison
See how extra contributions boost your retirement.
Tax Savings from Salary Sacrifice
Salary sacrifice is taxed at 15% instead of your marginal rate. On $100k income, sacrificing $5,000 could save you ~$750 in tax.
Contribution Caps 2025-26
- Concessional: $30,000/year (before-tax contributions including SG)
- Non-concessional: $120,000/year (after-tax contributions)
Super Insights
Personalized recommendations based on your situation.
Years to Retire
-
SG Rate
12%
Cap Headroom
-
Recommendations
General information only. Consult a licensed financial adviser for personal advice.
ASFA Benchmarks
How does your projection compare to industry standards?
ASFA Retirement Standard
Lump sum targets at age 67 (home owner). ASFA updates these quarterly - check superannuation.asn.au for latest figures.
Travel, private health, leisure$595,000
Combined lump sum$690,000
Basic needs + Age Pension$100,000
Calculating...
Enter your details to see your benchmark status.
Disclaimer: Estimates only. This calculator provides general information and is not financial advice. Consult a licensed financial adviser for personal advice. Data based on ATO rates effective 1 July 2025.
How Does Superannuation Work?
Superannuation is Australia’s $4.2 trillion retirement savings system, designed to ensure every working Australian can retire with dignity. Understanding how it works is crucial for maximizing your retirement wealth.
Your employer contributes 12% into a super fund, where it’s professionally invested in assets like shares, property, bonds, and infrastructure. The magic happens through decades of compound growth and tax advantages.
With the right strategy, even modest additional contributions can result in hundreds of thousands of extra dollars at retirement. The key is starting early and understanding your options.
$3.5T
Total super assets in Australia
16M+
Australians with super accounts
Types of Super Contributions
Understanding different contribution types helps you optimize your super strategy and take advantage of tax benefits.
Employer Contributions (SG)
Your employer must contribute at least 12% of your ordinary earnings
Tax Treatment:
Taxed at 15% in the fund
Salary Sacrifice
Additional before-tax contributions deducted from your salary
Tax Treatment:
Taxed at 15% in the fund (vs. your marginal tax rate)
Personal Contributions
After-tax contributions from your own money
Tax Treatment:
Not taxed in the fund, may be eligible for government co-contribution
How Much Do You Need for Retirement?
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has researched the costs of different retirement lifestyles. Here’s what you need to know about retirement budgets.
*Base essentials (Housing, Food, Utilities, Basic Transport, Healthcare) included automatically in Modest baseline.
Basic activities. Limited leisure budget. Relies mainly on Age Pension with $100k super top-up.
Good standard of living. Private health insurance, reasonable car, regular leisure, domestic & international travel.
lifestyle
Click items above to calculate your personal retirement number.
| Category | Modest | Comfortable | Your Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Budget | $35,199 | $54,240 | - |
| Weekly Spending | $677 | $1,043 | - |
| Super Required (67yo) | $100,000 | $595,000 | - |
| Health Insurance | Basic | Top Private | - |
| Car | Older/Basic | Reasonable | - |
| Holidays | 1 domestic/year | Domestic + Intl every 7yrs | - |
| Dining Out | Rare | Occasional | - |
ASFA Retirement Standard September 2025
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) publishes quarterly benchmarks for retirement spending. These figures assume you own your home outright and are in good health.
- Comfortable Single: $54,240/year ($595,000 lump sum)
- Comfortable Couple: $76,505/year ($690,000 lump sum)
- Modest: $35,199 single / $50,866 couple ($100,000 lump sum)
Investment Strategies for Every Stage of Life
Your investment strategy should evolve as you age. Understanding the trade-offs between risk and return is crucial for maximizing your retirement savings.
Australian Superannuation Investment Strategy Guide 2025-26
Three Main Super Investment Strategies:
- Conservative (Low Risk): Target return CPI + 1.5% per annum. Asset allocation: 30% growth assets (shares, property), 70% defensive assets (cash, bonds). Recommended investment timeframe: 0-5 years. Best for capital preservation near retirement.
- Balanced (Medium Risk): Target return CPI + 3.0% per annum. Asset allocation: 70% growth assets, 30% defensive assets. Recommended investment timeframe: 5-10 years. The default MySuper option for most Australian super funds.
- Growth/High Growth (High Risk): Target return CPI + 4.5% per annum. Asset allocation: 85%+ growth assets. Recommended investment timeframe: 10+ years. Highest potential long-term returns but more volatile short-term.
Strategy by Age Group:
- 20s and 30s: Growth/High Growth recommended. Long investment horizon (30-40 years) allows recovery from market downturns. Focus on consolidating multiple accounts and maximizing growth exposure.
- 40s and 50s: Balanced recommended. Peak earning years - maximize salary sacrifice contributions. Use carry-forward rules for unused concessional cap from previous 5 years if TSB under $500,000.
- 60s and beyond: Conservative recommended. Focus shifts from accumulation to capital preservation. Protect balance from market crashes near retirement. Plan transition to pension phase.
Key Super Rates 2025-26: Superannuation Guarantee 12%. Concessional contribution cap $30,000/year. Non-concessional cap $120,000/year. Transfer balance cap $2 million.
This guide is for educational purposes only. Consult a licensed financial adviser for personal advice.
Conservative
Low RiskPrioritizes stability over high returns. Protects your balance from market crashes as you near retirement.
Balanced
Med RiskThe default for most Australians. A solid mix of shares for growth and cash/bonds for stability.
Growth
High RiskInvests heavily in shares and property. Volatile in the short term, but highest potential long-term gains.
Strategies by Age
20s & 30s
Aggressive GrowthCompound interest is your best friend. Volatility doesn't matter yet because you won't touch this money for decades.
Recommended Actions:- Switch to "High Growth" option
- Consolidate duplicate accounts
40s & 50s
Balanced BuildingYou are in your peak earning years. Focus on tax-effective contributions while maintaining good growth exposure.
Recommended Actions:- Salary sacrifice into super
- Use carry-forward rules
60s+
PreservationFocus shifts from accumulation to access. Reduce risk to ensure a market crash doesn't delay your retirement.
Recommended Actions:- Shift to "Conservative" mix
- Plan transition to pension
Avoid These Common Super Mistakes
Learn from the most common superannuation mistakes that cost Australians thousands of dollars in retirement savings.
Not tracking your super
Impact: Lost accounts and excess fees . Use myGov to track all accounts and consolidate where beneficial.
Choosing the wrong investment option
Impact: Poor returns or excessive risk.Review investment options annually and match to your risk tolerance.
Not making voluntary contributions
Impact: Missed compound growth opportunities.Consider salary sacrifice or after-tax contributions within caps.
Ignoring insurance within super
Impact: Inadequate or excessive coverage.Review and optimize life and TPD insurance in your fund.
Australian Superannuation Data
Overview for Australian superannuation data(2025 Data)
Australian Superannuation Statistics 2025-26
Total Superannuation Assets: Approximately $4.2 trillion as at December 2024 (APRA Quarterly Superannuation Statistics), of which approximately $2.9 trillion is held in APRA-regulated funds.
Average Superannuation Balance by Age (ATO/ASFA 2024):
- Age 18-24: approximately $8,500 average balance
- Age 25-34: approximately $45,000 average balance
- Age 35-44: approximately $110,000 average balance
- Age 45-54: approximately $210,000 average balance
- Age 55-64: approximately $380,000 average balance
- Age 65+: approximately $450,000 average balance
Typical Balanced MySuper Asset Allocation: Australian Shares 24%, International Shares 30%, Property and Infrastructure 14%, Fixed Income 17%, Alternatives 10%, Cash 5%.
Key 2025-26 Rates: Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate is 12% (effective 1 July 2025). Concessional contribution cap is $30,000 per year. Non-concessional contribution cap is $120,000 per year. Transfer balance cap is $2 million (indexed from 1 July 2025).
Data Sources: APRA Quarterly Superannuation Statistics (December 2024), ATO Taxation Statistics, ASFA Superannuation Statistics (2024). State-by-state comparisons are illustrative estimates.
Highest Avg. Balance
$0
State
Lowest Avg. Fees
0%
State
Largest Market
0
State
Total Super Assets
$4.2T
Australia (APRA Dec 2024)
State-by-State Comparison
Average Super Balance by Age
Based on ATO/ASFA data (2024). Shows typical savings growth across age groups.
Typical Asset Allocation
Example breakdown for a 'Balanced' MySuper investment option.
Performance vs. Fees Overview
Bubble size represents estimated number of member accounts by state.
Data Overview
State-by-state comparison of average balances, fees, and account numbers.
| State | Avg. Balance | Avg. Fees | # Accounts |
|---|
Superannuation News & Updates
Australian Superannuation News & Updates 2025-2026
Payday Super (4 Nov 2025): Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Act 2025 passed. From 1 July 2026, employers must pay super at same time as wages. SG contributions must reach funds within 7 business days. Small Business Super Clearing House closes 1 July 2026.
Division 296 Tax (13 Oct 2025): Major changes announced. Start date deferred to 1 July 2026. Unrealised gains removed - only realised earnings taxed. Two-tier: 30% on $3M-$10M balance, 40% above $10M. Both thresholds indexed to CPI. Not yet legislated.
LISTO Boost (13 Oct 2025): From 1 July 2027, income threshold increases from $37,000 to $45,000. Maximum payment increases from $500 to $810. Benefits 3.1 million Australians (60% women).
APRA Performance Test 2025 (29 Aug 2025): All 52 MySuper products passed. All 374 non-platform TDPs passed. 7 platform TDPs failed (down from 37 in 2024).
SG Rate 12% (1 Jul 2025): Final scheduled increase. Applies to all wages paid from 1 July 2025. First 12% contributions due 28 October 2025.
Super on Parental Leave (1 Jul 2025): 12% super on Government PPL for births/adoptions from 1 July 2025. First payments July 2026.
Transfer Balance Cap (1 Jul 2025): Increased from $1.9M to $2M. Defined Benefit Income Cap: $125,000.
Data sources: Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), Treasury.
Payday Super Legislation Passes - Super Paid with Wages from 1 July 2026
Parliament passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Act 2025, requiring employers to pay super contributions at the same time as salary and wages from 1 July 2026.
Key Changes (From 1 July 2026)
- Payment Timing: Super must be paid on payday, same time as salary and wages
- Receipt Deadline: Contributions must reach super funds within 7 business days
- New Employees: Extended 20 business day deadline for first contribution
- Qualifying Earnings: New term replacing OTE for SG calculation
- SBSCH Closure: Small Business Super Clearing House closes 1 July 2026
Employee Benefit
More frequent contributions = higher compound earnings. Easier to detect missed payments via myGov.
Employer Action
Update payroll systems before 1 July 2026. Consider commercial clearing houses. Review PCG 2025/D5 for first-year compliance approach.
Division 296 Tax Revised: Major Changes to $3M Super Tax
The Government announced significant changes to the proposed Division 296 tax, deferring the start date to 1 July 2026 and removing unrealised gains from the calculation.
Key Changes from Original Proposal
- Start Date: Deferred from 1 July 2025 to 1 July 2026
- Realised Earnings Only: Unrealised capital gains now excluded from tax calculation
- Two-Tier Rates: 30% on $3M-$10M balance; 40% above $10M (total effective rate)
- Indexation: $3M indexed in $150,000 increments; $10M in $500,000 increments
- First Assessments: After 2026-27 financial year (from July 2027)
Who is Affected
~80,000 Australians (~0.5% of members) with Total Super Balance exceeding $3 million.
Status
Not yet legislated. Exposure draft released 19 Dec 2025. Consultation closes 16 Jan 2026.
LISTO Boost: Threshold Rising to $45,000, Maximum to $810
The Government announced increases to the Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset (LISTO) to help more low-income workers build retirement savings, effective 1 July 2027.
Proposed Changes (From 1 July 2027)
- Income Threshold: Increased from $37,000 to $45,000 (matches top of 2nd tax bracket)
- Maximum Payment: Increased from $500 to $810 (reflects 12% SG rate)
- Beneficiaries: Estimated 3.1 million Australians (60% women)
- Purpose: Refunds 15% contributions tax for eligible low-income earners
Current LISTO (2025-26)
Income ≤$37,000: Up to $500 refund. Paid automatically to super fund if TFN is on file.
Status
Announced but not yet law. No action required - LISTO paid automatically if eligible.
APRA 2025 Performance Test: All MySuper Products Pass for Second Year
APRA released its annual superannuation performance test results showing continued improvement across the industry.
2025 Results Summary
- MySuper Products: 52 tested, all passed (second consecutive year with no failures)
- Non-Platform TDPs: 374 tested, all passed
- Platform TDPs: 137 tested, 7 failed (down from 37 in 2024)
- Total Assets Covered: 62% of APRA-regulated super sector ($2.7 trillion)
- Failed 2024 Products: 32 wound up, 4 failed again, 1 passed
Member Action
If your fund fails, you'll receive written notification by end of September. Compare funds via YourSuper tool in myGov.
Industry Insight
40%+ of platform TDPs with 10-year history show significant long-term underperformance.
Superannuation Guarantee Rate Reaches 12% - Final Scheduled Increase
The compulsory employer superannuation guarantee rate has increased from 11.5% to 12%, completing the legislated schedule of increases.
Key Details
- Rate Increase: SG increased from 11.5% to 12% of ordinary time earnings
- Final Increase: 12% is now the permanent rate - no further scheduled increases
- Application: Applies to all salary and wages paid on or after 1 July 2025
- First Due Date: First 12% contributions due by 28 October 2025
- Max Contribution Base: $62,500 per quarter (2025-26)
Impact Example
Worker earning $90,000: Now receives $10,800 in annual super (up from $10,350 at 11.5%).
Action Required
Employers: Update payroll systems. Employees: Verify correct rate on payslips.
Super Now Paid on Government-Funded Parental Leave Pay
Eligible parents with babies born or adopted from 1 July 2025 will receive 12% superannuation on their Government Parental Leave Pay.
Key Details
- Contribution Rate: 12% of Parental Leave Pay (matching SG rate)
- Payment Method: ATO pays as lump sum after end of financial year
- First Payments: July 2026 for 2025-26 recipients
- Eligibility: Babies born or adopted on or after 1 July 2025
- Investment: $1.1 billion to 2027-28, $623M per year ongoing
Estimated Benefit
~180,000 families per year. Average additional super: ~$2,637 per parent taking full leave.
No Action Required
Claims via Services Australia. Super contribution automatic if TFN on file with fund.
Transfer Balance Cap Increases to $2 Million
The general transfer balance cap has been indexed from $1.9 million to $2 million, allowing more tax-free retirement phase savings.
Key Changes
- General TBC: Increased from $1.9 million to $2 million
- Defined Benefit Income Cap: Increased from $118,750 to $125,000
- Non-concessional Cap Trigger: If TSB ≥ $2M, non-concessional cap is nil
- Bring-Forward Thresholds: Updated for 2 and 3-year rules
Who Benefits
Retirees with balances between $1.9M-$2M can transfer additional amounts to tax-free pension phase.
Important
Your personal TBC may differ if you previously used some cap. Check via myGov ATO online services.
Contribution Caps Increase: Concessional $30,000, Non-Concessional $120,000
Both concessional and non-concessional contribution caps increased due to indexation, providing greater scope for voluntary contributions.
Caps (From 1 July 2024)
- Concessional Cap: Increased from $27,500 to $30,000 per year
- Non-Concessional Cap: Increased from $110,000 to $120,000 per year
- Bring-Forward: Up to $360,000 over 3 years (if TSB allows)
- Carry-Forward: Available for concessional caps if TSB < $500,000
Benefit
Extra $2,500 concessional and $10,000 non-concessional capacity per year.
Reminder
Employer SG counts toward concessional cap. Monitor total contributions to avoid excess contributions tax.
APRA 2024 Performance Test: All MySuper Products Pass for First Time
For the first time since testing began in 2021, all MySuper products passed APRA's annual performance test.
2024 Results
- MySuper Products: All passed (first time - 13 failed in 2021)
- Platform TDPs: 37 failed (down from 97 in 2023)
- Market Exits: 52 products that failed 2023 test exited the market
- Total Assets Tested: Covers 62% of APRA-regulated super sector
Progress
MySuper failures: 2021: 13 → 2022: 5 → 2023: 1 → 2024: 0. Test driving industry improvement.
Check Your Fund
Use APRA's Comprehensive Product Performance Package dashboard at apra.gov.au.
Superannuation Guarantee Rate Increases to 11.5%
The compulsory employer superannuation guarantee rate increased from 11% to 11.5%, as part of the progression to 12%.
Key Details
- Rate Increase: SG increased from 11% to 11.5% of ordinary time earnings
- Application: Applies to payments of salary and wages from 1 July 2024
- Next Increase: Final rise to 12% scheduled for 1 July 2025
Impact
Worker on $90,000 receives $10,350 in annual super (up from $9,900).
SG Rate History
2021: 10% → 2022: 10.5% → 2023: 11% → 2024: 11.5% → 2025: 12%
Paid Parental Leave Super Contribution Legislation Receives Royal Assent
The Paid Parental Leave Amendment (Adding Superannuation for a More Secure Retirement) Act 2024 legislated super on government PPL from 1 July 2025.
What Was Legislated
- 12% Super: On government-funded Parental Leave Pay
- Commencement: Births/adoptions from 1 July 2025
- Investment: $1.1 billion over forward estimates to 2027-28
- Ongoing: $623.1 million per year from 2028-29
- Purpose: Address gender superannuation gap (25.2% at retirement)
Background
Implements Women's Economic Equality Taskforce recommendation. Announced in May 2024 Budget.
Tax Treatment
Contribution taxed at 15% in super fund. Counts toward concessional contributions cap.
Superannuation Guarantee Rate History 2021-2025
Complete history of SG rate increases from the resumption of legislated increases in 2021 to the final 12% rate in 2025.
SG Rate Timeline
- 1 Jul 2021: 9.5% → 10% (increases resumed after freeze since 2014)
- 1 Jul 2022: 10% → 10.5%
- 1 Jul 2023: 10.5% → 11%
- 1 Jul 2024: 11% → 11.5%
- 1 Jul 2025: 11.5% → 12% (FINAL - permanent rate)
Maximum Contribution Base (2025-26)
$62,500 per quarter ($250,000 annually). No SG required on earnings above this amount.
Impact Over Time
Worker on $80,000: Super increased from $7,600 (2021) to $9,600 (2025) - extra $2,000/year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about your retirement numbers, access rules, and tax limits for the 2025 financial year.
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About this calculator
This calculator is for educational and illustrative purposes only. The projections are not guaranteed and should not be considered financial advice. The calculator uses simplified tax treatments and doesn’t account for all factors that may affect your superannuation, including Age Pension means testing, carry-forward provisions, or changes in legislation. Actual outcomes will vary significantly based on fund performance, fees, and market conditions. Always consult a licensed financial advisor for personalized advice about your retirement planning.