Super Balance Projector

Estimate your superannuation balance at retirement based on your current balance, salary, and investment returns.

Projected Balance at Retirement
$0
Years to Retirement
0
Total Employer SG
$0
Total Extra Contributions
$0
Total Investment Growth
$0
Ad Unit — Leaderboard (728×90)

How Super Balance Projections Work

This calculator projects your superannuation balance by simulating year-by-year growth. Each year, your balance earns investment returns, and your employer's Super Guarantee (SG) contributions are added. Any extra contributions you make are also included.

The Power of Compounding

The key driver of super growth is compounding — earning returns on your returns. A $80,000 balance at age 35 growing at 7% per year becomes approximately $250,000 by age 55 and $490,000 by age 67, before any new contributions. Adding employer SG contributions substantially boosts this further.

Super Guarantee Rate

This calculator uses the current SG rate of 11.5% (2024–25). Note that from 1 July 2025 the rate increases to 12%. For simplicity, this projection uses 11.5% throughout — actual results may be slightly higher.

Investment Returns

The default return of 7% is consistent with ASIC MoneySmart guidance for a balanced super fund over the long term (before fees). If you're in a growth or high-growth fund, you might use 8–9%. For conservative funds, 4–5% may be more appropriate. Returns are not guaranteed and past performance is not indicative of future results.

Fees and Tax

This calculator does not deduct super fund fees or earnings tax (which is typically 15% on fund earnings). A rough adjustment would be to reduce the return rate by 1–2% to account for these costs, though this varies between funds.

Ad Unit — In-content (300×250)

Frequently Asked Questions

What return rate should I use?
ASIC recommends 7% as a benchmark for long-term balanced super projections. Check your fund's investment option and its historical performance to choose a more personalised rate. Always be conservative — markets don't grow at a constant rate.
Does this include fees?
No — this calculator uses your stated return without deducting fees or earnings tax. To account for these, reduce your expected return by approximately 1–2% depending on your fund. Fees vary significantly between retail, industry, and SMSF options.
How much super do I need to retire?
ASFA estimates a comfortable retirement for a single person requires approximately $595,000 and for a couple approximately $690,000 (2024 figures). The Age Pension supplements super for those with lower balances. Your specific needs depend on lifestyle, home ownership status, and health care costs.
Can I access super before 67?
You can access super from your preservation age, which is 60 for anyone born after 1 July 1964. You must also meet a condition of release such as retirement, reaching age 65, or transitioning to retirement. Before preservation age, access is very limited.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides a general projection only. It assumes a constant investment return and SG rate, and does not account for fund fees, earnings tax, career breaks, salary changes, or market volatility. This is not financial advice. Consult a licensed financial adviser for personalised superannuation planning.
Ad Unit — Bottom (728×90)