Using a Concessional Contributions Cap Calculator in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide
Checks whether your before-tax super contributions fit under the annual cap. This guide walks through what each input means, the formula behind the answer and a worked example using typical Australian figures. You can follow along in the free Concessional Contributions Cap Calculator.
Why it matters
Superannuation is Australia’s compulsory retirement savings system. Employers pay the super guarantee into your fund, contributions are taxed concessionally, and the money is generally preserved until you reach preservation age and retire. Small changes to contributions, fees or investment returns compound over decades.
What you need to enter
The calculator asks for 4 inputs. The table shows each one with the example value used later in this guide.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Salary ($) | 120000 |
| Super guarantee rate (%) | 12 |
| Salary sacrifice and personal deductible ($) | 10000 |
| Annual cap ($) | 30000 |
The formula
Total = employer SG + salary sacrifice + personal deductible contributions, compared with the cap ($30,000 for 2024–25 and 2025–26).
Worked example
Entering the example values above gives these results:
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Room left under cap | $5,600.00 |
| Total concessional contributions | $24,400.00 |
The headline figure is $5,600.00 (room left under cap). Change any input in the calculator and every result updates instantly, so you can test different scenarios side by side.
How the room left under cap changes with salary
The table below keeps every other input at the example value and moves only “Salary ($)” up and down by 10% and 20%. It shows how sensitive the room left under cap is to that one figure.
| Salary ($) | Room left under cap |
|---|---|
| 96,000 | $8,480.00 |
| 108,000 | $7,040.00 |
| 120,000 | $5,600.00 |
| 132,000 | $4,160.00 |
| 144,000 | $2,720.00 |
At 96,000 the result is $8,480.00; at 144,000 it is $2,720.00. If a small change in this input moves the answer a lot, it is worth double-checking that figure before you rely on the result.
A practical tip
If your balance is under $500,000 you may carry forward unused cap amounts from the last five years.
Keep going
Before relying on the number, read Common Concessional Contributions Cap Mistakes (and a Better Way). You might also find these guides useful:
- Super Co-contribution Calculator Explained for Australians
- How the Spouse Super Contribution Tax Offset Calculator Works (With a Worked Example)
- Retirement Countdown Calculator: Formula, Example and What the Result Means
Frequently asked questions
- Are the projections guaranteed?
- No. Investment returns vary from year to year. Treat projections as a guide for planning, not a forecast.
- What is the super guarantee rate?
- It is 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2025.
- Should I get advice?
- For decisions like salary sacrifice, contribution strategies or retirement income, a licensed financial adviser can look at your full situation. This site provides general information only.
Run your own numbers in the Concessional Contributions Cap Calculator.
Open the calculatorGeneral information only. Rates and thresholds change, usually on 1 July. Confirm current figures with the ATO or the relevant authority, and get personal advice for decisions about your situation.