Pension Pot Calculator — Project Your Workplace Pension Growth — UK 2026
Calculate the projected value of your workplace pension at retirement. See how employer contributions auto-enrolment and investment returns build your pot.
UK workplace pensions have grown significantly since auto-enrolment began in 2012 requiring employers to contribute at least 3% with employees contributing at least 5% of qualifying earnings. A 25-year-old earning £30000 contributing 8% total could have a pension pot of £350000-£500000 by age 67 depending on investment returns. Understanding your projected pot size helps you decide whether to increase contributions for a comfortable retirement.
How big will my pension pot be at 67?
On a £35000 salary contributing 8% total (5% employee + 3% employer) starting at age 25: at 5% returns your pot reaches approximately £380000 by 67. At 7% returns: approximately £570000. Increasing your contribution from 5% to 8% (with 3% employer match = 11% total) boosts the pot to approximately £525000-£790000. Every 1% extra contribution adds approximately £60000-£100000 at retirement.
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UK Pension Calculator
Understanding Your Investment Returns
This calculator projects your returns using compound interest, where your earnings generate their own earnings over time. The power of compounding means that even small regular investments can grow into substantial wealth over long periods. For example, investing just Rs 5,000 per month at 12% expected returns for 25 years can grow to over Rs 1 crore — of which only Rs 15 lakh is your own money and Rs 85 lakh is compounding returns. The key factors that determine your final corpus are: the amount invested, the rate of return, the duration of investment, and the frequency of compounding.
Important Considerations
Past returns do not guarantee future performance, especially for market-linked instruments like mutual funds and equities. The returns shown are estimates based on the rate you enter. Equity investments carry market risk but have historically delivered 12-15% CAGR over 15+ year periods in India. Fixed income options like PPF (7.1%) and FD (6-7.5%) offer lower but more predictable returns. Diversifying across asset classes — equity, debt, gold, and real estate — reduces overall portfolio risk while optimizing returns for your risk tolerance.
Key Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Employer Contribution | 3% of qualifying earnings |
| Minimum Employee Contribution | 5% of qualifying earnings |
| Total Minimum | 8% of qualifying earnings |
| Auto-Enrolment Trigger | £10000 annual earnings |
Project your pension growth
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Use Calculator NowFrequently Asked Questions
How big will my pension pot be at 67?
On a £35000 salary contributing 8% total (5% employee + 3% employer) starting at age 25: at 5% returns your pot reaches approximately £380000 by 67. At 7% returns: approximately £570000. Increasing your contribution from 5% to 8% (with 3% employer match = 11% total) boosts the pot to approximately £525000-£790000. Every 1% extra contribution adds approximately £60000-£100000 at retirement.
Is my workplace pension enough to retire on?
A £400000 pension pot can provide approximately £16000-£20000 per year plus your state pension (approximately £11500 for full entitlement). Total retirement income: £27500-£31500 per year. If your current spending is £35000+ per year you will need to either increase contributions reduce retirement spending or plan to work longer. The earlier you increase contributions the less it costs per month to reach your target.
How much should I contribute to my pension?
A common rule of thumb is to contribute half your age as a percentage starting from when you begin saving. If you start at 25 contribute 12.5% of salary. At 30 contribute 15%. At 40 contribute 20%. These targets assume retirement at 67. Contributing less means either a lower retirement income working longer or relying more heavily on the state pension which may not provide the lifestyle you want.
What is compound interest and why does it matter?
Compound interest means you earn interest on your interest, not just your principal. Over long periods, this creates exponential growth — even small regular investments can grow into substantial wealth over 15-25 years.
Should I invest regularly or as a lump sum?
Regular investing (dollar-cost averaging) smooths out market volatility by buying at various price points. Lump sum investing works better if markets are undervalued. For most people, regular monthly investing is simpler and more disciplined.
How much should I invest monthly to reach my goal?
The amount depends on your target, timeline, and expected returns. Use this calculator to model different scenarios. The key factors are starting early, investing consistently, and reinvesting returns.
Are investment returns taxable?
Tax treatment varies by investment type and country. Capital gains, dividends, and interest income may be taxed differently. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation and jurisdiction.
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Last updated: March 2026