UK Pension Calculator
Updated for the 2026/27 tax year (6 April 2026 – 5 April 2027)
See how big your workplace or personal pension could be at retirement, the 25% tax-free lump sum, and the yearly income it could give alongside the State Pension. Free, no sign-up. Nothing leaves your browser.
How your pot builds up
| Age | Salary | Yearly contributions | Pot value | In today's money |
|---|
Key pension figures for 2026/27
- Annual allowance: £60,000 (tapered for adjusted income over £260,000; £10,000 money purchase annual allowance after flexible access).
- Lump Sum Allowance: £268,275 of tax-free cash over your lifetime.
- Auto-enrolment: minimum 8% of qualifying earnings between £6,240 and £50,270, at least 3% from your employer.
- Tax relief: 20% added at source; higher and additional-rate taxpayers can claim the extra through Self Assessment.
- Minimum pension age: 55, rising to 57 from 6 April 2028.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I pay into my pension?
A common rule of thumb is to put half your age at the time you start, as a percentage of salary, into your pension each year (including employer contributions). Auto-enrolment sets a minimum of 8% of qualifying earnings, with at least 3% from your employer.
How much is the full new State Pension in 2026/27?
£241.30 a week, about £12,548 a year, from April 2026. You usually need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance to get the full amount.
How much of my pension can I take tax-free?
Usually 25% of your pot, up to a lifetime maximum of £268,275 (the Lump Sum Allowance). The rest is taxed as income when you draw it.
What is the pension annual allowance?
You can usually pay up to £60,000 a year (or 100% of your earnings, if lower) into pensions with tax relief. It tapers down for very high earners, and drops to £10,000 once you have flexibly accessed a pension.