Pension Calculator
Your pot and income at retirementRuns in your browser
| Age | Pot | In today's money |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | £58,996 | £52,144 |
| 45 | £104,259 | £81,447 |
| 50 | £163,865 | £113,143 |
| 55 | £241,677 | £147,488 |
| 60 | £342,545 | £184,765 |
| 65 | £472,550 | £225,285 |
| 67 | £534,358 | £242,476 |
Projection, not a promise: investment returns go up and down, and real returns can be lower. Income figures are in today's money and before income tax. The tax-free cash is capped at £268,275 (the Lump Sum Allowance).
These are estimates based on 2026/27 rates and the inputs you give. Your actual position can differ (other income, benefits in kind, tax code changes, scheme rules). This is not financial or tax advice.
How it works
Formulas
Each month: pot = pot × (1 + monthly growth) + contributionMonthly growth from (growth − charges) a year; contributions rise once a year.
Today's money = pot ÷ (1 + inflation)^yearsWorked example
Input: Age 30 → 67, £10,000 pot, £300 a month, 5% growth, 0.5% charges, 2.5% inflation.
- 37 years of monthly compounding at 4.5% a year net.
- Pot: £385,424; paid in £143,200 including the starting pot.
Result: About £154,581 in today's money; 25% tax-free cash £96,356 at retirement.
Limits
- Investment returns vary and can be negative. This is an illustration, not financial advice.
How to use
- 1Enter your age, retirement age and current pot.
- 2Enter the total paid in each month (yours, employer and tax relief).
- 3Adjust growth, charges and inflation.
- 4See your projected pot, tax-free cash and retirement income in today's money.
FAQ
How much pension do I need?
The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association's Retirement Living Standards are a useful guide. Compare your projected income (private pension plus State Pension) with what you expect to spend.
What growth rate should I use?
Nobody knows future returns. 5% a year before charges is a moderate assumption for a mixed investment fund; try lower figures to see a cautious case. Always look at the result in today's money.
What is the 4% withdrawal rate?
A rule of thumb for drawdown: taking about 4% of the pot each year has historically had a good chance of lasting 30 years. It isn't guaranteed; an annuity gives a guaranteed income instead.