Free calculator · 2025–26 SG rate
Super Balance at Retirement Calculator
Enter your age, current super balance, and salary to see your projected balance at retirement — and whether you're on track for a comfortable retirement.
Projected balance at 65 (30 years)
$1.50M
$717k in today's dollars
Conservative (4%)
$60k
/ year
Moderate (5%)
$75k
/ year
Aggressive (6%)
$90k
/ year
Gap vs ASFA comfortable retirement
$23k / year shortfall
ASFA estimates a single person needs $51,278/yr (2025) for a comfortable retirement. At 4% drawdown your super generates $60k/yr.
Estimates only. Assumes constant return rate and salary. Does not account for Age Pension, investment switches, or contributions tax beyond 15%. Not financial advice.
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See my full plan →How this calculator works
The projection compounds your current balance at the chosen annual return rate, and adds your employer's superannuation guarantee contributions (11.5% of salary from July 2024, rising to 12% from July 2025) net of 15% contributions tax. Any voluntary extra contributions you enter are added directly without tax deduction (they are treated as after-tax contributions).
Salary is assumed to remain constant in real terms (no wage growth modelled). Return rate defaults to 7% p.a., which is the approximate long-run average for a balanced or growth Australian super fund after fees but before tax. The real balance figure adjusts for 2.5% annual inflation to show what the projected balance is worth in today's purchasing power.
The drawdown scenarios show annual income at 4%, 5%, and 6% of the projected balance. The "balance lasts" estimate assumes a 5% investment return in retirement (more conservative allocation) with the drawdown amount increasing with inflation. These are illustrative — not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
How much super do I need to retire comfortably in Australia?
ASFA (Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia) estimates a single person needs around $51,278 per year (2025) and a couple needs $72,148 per year for a comfortable retirement. At a 4% annual drawdown rate, that requires a balance of approximately $1.28M for a single person and $1.80M for a couple. These figures assume you own your home outright. Add the Age Pension on top and the required super balance drops significantly.
What is the 4% rule for super drawdown?
The 4% rule is a retirement planning guideline suggesting that withdrawing 4% of your portfolio per year gives a high probability of your money lasting 30+ years. It was derived from US market data but is widely used as a starting point for Australian retirement planning. At 4%, a $1M balance generates $40,000 per year. Adjusting for inflation, the actual amount withdrawn increases slightly each year. More conservative investors use 3–3.5%; those with shorter retirements or other income might withdraw 5–6%.
What is the superannuation guarantee (SG) rate in 2025–26?
The superannuation guarantee rate is 11.5% of your ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2024, rising to 12% from 1 July 2025. Your employer must pay this on top of your salary into your nominated super fund. The SG applies to most employees earning more than $450 per month (the threshold was removed in 2022, so it now applies from the first dollar). Employer contributions are taxed at 15% inside super, not your marginal rate.
Can I access my super before retirement?
Generally no — super is preserved until you reach your preservation age and meet a condition of release. The preservation age is 60 for anyone born after 30 June 1964. Exceptions exist for severe financial hardship, terminal illness, permanent incapacity, and the First Home Super Saver Scheme (up to $50,000 for a first home deposit). Early access on compassionate grounds is also possible in limited circumstances approved by the ATO.
Does salary sacrifice count toward my super balance projections?
Yes — salary sacrifice contributions are concessional (pre-tax) contributions taxed at 15% inside super, just like employer SG contributions. The concessional cap is $30,000 per year (2025–26), which includes both employer and salary sacrifice contributions. If you're salary sacrificing, add that monthly amount to the 'extra contributions' field in the calculator for an accurate projection.