Pension Pot Calculator
Estimate how your pension pot could grow based on your current balance, contributions, investment return, fees and years until retirement.
Overview
A pension pot calculator helps you estimate how much your retirement savings could grow by the time you stop working. Enter your current pension balance, monthly contribution, expected return, annual fees and years to retirement to see a projected future value and an inflation-adjusted estimate.
How it works
The calculator projects your current pension pot forward using compound growth and adds the future value of your monthly contributions over the same period. It subtracts annual fees from the expected return to estimate a net growth rate, then adjusts the final result using your chosen inflation rate to show what the pot may be worth in today's money.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter your current pension pot value.
- 2Add the amount contributed to your pension each month.
- 3Enter your expected annual investment return before fees.
- 4Enter the annual fee percentage charged on the pension.
- 5Choose how many years remain until retirement.
- 6Review the projected pension pot and the inflation-adjusted result.
Example Calculation
Current pension pot
$50,000
Monthly contribution
$500
Expected annual return
5%
Annual fee
1%
Years until retirement
20
Inflation rate
3%
Projected pension pot
$316,835
With a current pot of $50,000, monthly contributions of $500, a 5% annual return, 0.5% annual fees and 20 years to retirement, the projected pension pot is about $268,000, or roughly $164,000 in today's money.
Frequently asked questions
What does this pension pot calculator estimate?
It estimates the future value of your pension savings using your current pot, regular contributions, expected investment return, fees and years until retirement.
Does the calculator include inflation?
Yes. It shows both the projected future pot and an inflation-adjusted value in today's money based on the inflation rate you enter.
Should I enter returns before or after fees?
Enter your expected annual return before fees and then add your annual fee separately. The calculator subtracts fees to estimate a net return.
Does this include employer contributions?
It can if you include them in the monthly contribution amount. Use the total monthly amount you expect to be added to your pension.
Are pension investment returns guaranteed?
No. Actual returns can vary from year to year, and the final value may be higher or lower than the estimate.
Does the calculator include tax relief or withdrawal tax?
No. This version focuses on pot growth and does not include tax relief, income tax on withdrawals or pension-specific rules.
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Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- Results are estimates based on a constant average annual return, fee rate and inflation rate over the full period.
- Contributions are assumed to be made monthly and remain the same throughout the saving period.
- Investment growth is compounded monthly for illustration.
- Taxes, contribution limits, withdrawal rules and changes in pension legislation are not included.
Warnings
- This calculator provides an estimate only and is not financial advice.
- Investment returns are not guaranteed and pension values can go down as well as up.
- Consider speaking to a qualified professional before making major retirement planning decisions.