Pension Calculator
Project your pension pot from your current savings, your monthly and employer contributions, and expected investment growth.
% per year
Projected pension pot
£150,437
In today's pounds, before inflation
- Total paid in
- £82,000
- Investment growth
- £68,437
How does a pension pot grow?
A workplace or personal pension grows from three things: your own contributions, contributions from your employer, and investment growth on the money already invested. Because returns compound over decades, even modest monthly amounts can grow into a substantial pot by retirement.
This calculator adds your monthly contribution and your employer's contribution each month, then applies your expected annual growth rate. It shows the projected pot, how much was paid in, and how much came from growth.
Employer contributions and tax relief
Under auto-enrolment, most employers must pay in at least 3% of qualifying earnings while you pay at least 5%. Employer contributions are effectively free money, so it is usually worth paying in enough to get the full match.
Pension contributions also receive tax relief, which tops up what you pay in. This calculator projects the pot from the contributions you enter, so include the gross amounts that actually reach your pension.
Worked example
Starting with a £10,000 pot, paying in £200 a month with £100 from your employer, at 5% annual growth for 20 years, projects to roughly £150,000.
Of that, about £82,000 is contributions and £68,000 is investment growth, showing how compounding rewards starting early.
Please note: A projection using a fixed growth rate, not adjusted for inflation or fees. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is the growth rate guaranteed?
No. Investment returns vary year to year and can be negative. A fixed rate is a simplified illustration, not a promise.
Are the figures adjusted for inflation?
No. They are in today's pounds without adjusting for inflation, which reduces the future spending power of the pot.
Should I include tax relief?
Enter the gross contributions that actually land in your pension, including any tax relief that is added, for the most accurate projection.
What growth rate is realistic?
Long-term pension growth is often illustrated between about 2% and 5% after charges, but this depends on your investments and fees.
Is this financial advice?
No. It is an illustration to help you plan. For retirement decisions, consider regulated financial advice or Pension Wise guidance.
Figures last reviewed on 13 August 2025.
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