Pension Contribution Calculator UK
Work out how much really goes into your UK pension each year. Enter your salary and contribution rates to see tax relief, your employer's contribution and your actual cost from take-home pay for 2026/27.
Calculator
What this means
When you pay into a pension you get tax relief at your highest rate of income tax, and a workplace pension usually adds an employer contribution on top. This means the total paid into your pension is more than the amount that leaves your take-home pay.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your salary and the percentage you contribute.
- Add your employer's contribution if you know it.
- See the total going into your pension and the tax relief added.
Worked example
You earn £40,000 and pay 5%, with a 3% employer contribution.
- Your 5% is £2,000 a year; the employer adds £1,200.
- Basic-rate tax relief tops up your personal contribution.
Around £3,200+ a year goes into your pension, for a lower cost to your take-home pay after tax relief.
Who this is for
- Employees in a workplace pension checking contributions.
- People deciding how much to pay in.
- Anyone wanting to see the effect of tax relief.
How pension tax relief boosts contributions
When you pay into a pension you get tax relief at your highest rate of income tax, so £1 in your pot costs a basic-rate taxpayer 80p and a higher-rate taxpayer as little as 60p. Employer contributions are extra money on top.
Most people can contribute up to £60,000 a year (the annual allowance) or 100% of earnings if lower, with tax relief. Higher-rate taxpayers often need to claim the extra relief through Self Assessment.
Frequently asked questions
The government tops up your pension contributions by the income tax you would otherwise have paid. Basic-rate taxpayers get 20% relief, higher-rate 40% and additional-rate 45%. Depending on your scheme, higher and additional-rate relief above the basic rate may need to be claimed through Self Assessment.
Under automatic enrolment, the minimum total contribution is 8% of qualifying earnings — at least 3% from your employer and the remaining 5% from you (including tax relief).
Most people can pay in up to £60,000 a year (or 100% of earnings if lower) across all pensions while still getting tax relief. High earners and those who have already accessed a pension may have a lower allowance.
There's no single answer, but a common rule of thumb is to contribute a percentage equal to roughly half your age when you start. At minimum, pay enough to get your employer's full match — it's free money.
Not always. Basic-rate relief is usually automatic, but higher and additional-rate taxpayers often need to claim the extra through Self Assessment or by contacting HMRC.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for guidance only. It is not financial, pension or tax advice. Pension values can fall as well as rise. For personal guidance, use the free government-backed MoneyHelper service or speak to a regulated financial adviser.
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