Project a defined contribution pension pot and an illustrative retirement income from your current savings and future contributions.
Illustration only. Returns are not guaranteed. The estimate excludes inflation, tax, State Pension, defined benefit income, contribution limits and changes to pension rules.
How to use the Retirement Calculator UK
Enter your current age, intended retirement age, current defined contribution pension pot, monthly contributions, expected growth, annual charges and an illustrative withdrawal rate. The calculator compounds the existing pot and monthly contributions until retirement.
How the retirement projection works
| Result | Method |
|---|---|
| Years to retirement | Planned retirement age − current age |
| Net annual growth assumption | Expected growth − annual charges |
| Projected pension pot | Future value of current pot plus monthly contributions |
| Illustrative annual income | Projected pot × entered withdrawal rate |
Growth and charges
The calculator converts the net annual growth assumption into an equivalent monthly rate. Small differences in investment growth and fees can have a large effect over many years. Actual returns vary and charges may be fixed, tiered or applied differently by each provider.
Contributions and tax relief
Enter the total amount reaching the pension each month. Depending on the scheme, this may include your payment, employer contributions and tax relief. Contribution limits and individual tax treatment are not tested by this calculator.
Understanding the income estimate
The withdrawal figure is a simple percentage of the projected pot in the first retirement year. It does not model changing withdrawals, investment volatility, inflation, tax or how long the pot must last. It is not an annuity quotation or a recommended sustainable rate.
Planning with other retirement income
Retirement income may also include the State Pension, defined benefit pensions, savings or employment. MoneyHelper’s pension calculator guidance explains that a fuller forecast can include defined benefit and defined contribution pensions and the State Pension.
Related calculators
Explore property funding with the Equity Release Calculator UK. Compare a defined benefit transfer quote using the Pension Transfer Value Calculator. Model invested withdrawals with the Pension Drawdown Calculator UK. Check the relevant date using the State Pension Age Calculator UK. Browse all tools on the United Kingdom Calculator homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Does the result include the State Pension?
No. It projects only the defined contribution pension pot entered in the calculator.
Are investment returns guaranteed?
No. Actual returns can be higher or lower, and the value of investments can fall.
Should employer contributions be included?
Yes, include them in the monthly amount if they are paid into the pension being projected.
Does the estimate allow for inflation?
No. Results are shown in future nominal pounds and are not adjusted for changes in purchasing power.
Is the entered withdrawal rate guaranteed to last?
No. Sustainability depends on returns, charges, inflation, withdrawals, lifespan and market conditions.