Retirement & Pension Calculator
Project your pot at retirement — including employer contributions — then see what it's worth in today's money and the monthly income it could support.
The classic rule of thumb is 4%
Projection by age
| Age | Contributed | Growth | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | £5,400 | £2,335 | £47,735 |
| 37 | £5,400 | £2,760 | £55,895 |
| 38 | £5,400 | £3,209 | £64,504 |
| 39 | £5,400 | £3,683 | £73,587 |
| 40 | £5,400 | £4,182 | £83,169 |
| 41 | £5,400 | £4,709 | £93,278 |
| 42 | £5,400 | £5,265 | £103,943 |
| 43 | £5,400 | £5,852 | £115,195 |
| 44 | £5,400 | £6,471 | £127,065 |
| 45 | £5,400 | £7,123 | £139,588 |
How the projection works
Contributions are added monthly and the whole balance grows at your expected annual return (compounded monthly). The result is then shown two ways: the nominal pot, and the pot deflated by your inflation assumption so you can see its purchasing power in today's terms. Retirement income applies your chosen withdrawal rate to the pot.
Projections assume steady returns; real markets vary year to year. This is a planning tool, not a guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
How much will my pension pot be worth at retirement?
It depends on your pot today, contributions, and growth. Example: a £40,000 pot at 35, with £450 a month going in (you plus employer) growing at 5.5%, reaches about £679,495 by 67 — roughly £308,335 in today's money after 2.5% inflation.
What does 'in today's money' mean?
A pot decades away buys less than the same number suggests today. Deflating by assumed inflation shows its real purchasing power — the honest number to plan with. This calculator shows both the nominal pot and its value in today's terms.
How much income can a pension pot provide?
A common rule of thumb is withdrawing around 4% of the pot per year, adjusted for inflation thereafter. A £500,000 pot supports about £20,000 a year on that basis. Annuities are an alternative that trade flexibility for a guaranteed income.
Should I include the State Pension?
This calculator projects your private/workplace pot only. The full UK new State Pension adds roughly £12,000 a year from State Pension age, and US Social Security varies with earnings history — add those on top of the income shown here.