UK Pension Calculator 2025/26
Estimate how much your workplace or personal pension will be worth at retirement. Includes employer contributions, tax relief, and a real (inflation-adjusted) view.
✓ Workplace + personal✓ Inflation-adjusted✓ Includes tax relief
Last updated: April 2026
Projected pension pot
£0
at retirement
In today's money
£0
inflation-adjusted
Total contributions
£0
over career
Investment growth
£0
compounded returns
Estimated retirement income
| 4% safe withdrawal rate (annual) | |
| Equivalent to monthly | |
| Plus full State Pension (2025/26) | |
| Combined annual income | |
Projections assume constant contributions and growth. Real returns vary. The 4% rule is a US-derived guideline — UK retirees often use 3.0–3.5% for sustainability. Always seek regulated financial advice for actual retirement planning.
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How does a UK pension work?
UK workplace pensions (defined contribution) work by you and your employer paying contributions into a pot that's invested over your working life. The government also adds tax relief — at minimum 20% on your contributions. The pot grows with investment returns until you retire, when you can take 25% tax-free and use the rest for income.
Auto-enrolment minimums (2025/26)
Under auto-enrolment, the minimum total contribution is 8% of qualifying earnings:
- 3% from the employer
- 4% from the employee
- 1% tax relief from the government
Qualifying earnings for 2025/26 are between £6,240 and £50,270.
State Pension 2025/26
The full new State Pension is £230.25/week (£11,973/year) for those reaching State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 with 35 qualifying years of NI contributions. State Pension age is currently 66, rising to 67 between 2026–2028, then 68 from 2044.
The 4% rule
The "4% rule" suggests you can withdraw 4% of your pension pot in the first year of retirement and adjust for inflation each year, with a high probability of the pot lasting 30 years. Many UK financial planners recommend 3.0–3.5% for greater safety, especially given longer UK life expectancy.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I be contributing to my pension?
A common rule of thumb is to contribute at least half your age as a percentage when you start. So if you start saving at 30, aim for 15% total (employer + employee). Auto-enrolment minimums of 8% are widely considered too low for a comfortable retirement.
What's tax relief on pension contributions?
If you're a basic-rate taxpayer, every £80 you contribute becomes £100 in your pension pot (the government adds 20%). Higher-rate taxpayers can claim back another 20% via Self Assessment, making £100 in their pot cost just £60 net.
Can I take my whole pension pot as a lump sum?
Yes from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028). The first 25% is tax-free; the remaining 75% is taxed as income. Taking it all in one go can push you into a higher tax band.
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