Superannuation Balance Projection Explained for Australians
Projects your super balance at retirement from today’s balance, contributions, returns and fees. 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 Superannuation Balance Projection.
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 6 inputs. The table shows each one with the example value used later in this guide.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Current balance ($) | 50000 |
| Salary ($) | 90000 |
| Super guarantee rate (%) | 12 |
| Return (% per year) | 7 |
| Fees (% per year) | 1 |
| Years to retirement | 30 |
The formula
Each year: balance × (1 + return − fees) + employer contributions after 15% tax. The result is also shown in today’s dollars.
Worked example
Entering the example values above gives these results:
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Projected balance | $1,012,928.71 |
| In todays dollars (2.5% inflation) | $482,906.35 |
The headline figure is $1,012,928.71 (projected balance). Change any input in the calculator and every result updates instantly, so you can test different scenarios side by side.
How the projected balance changes with current balance
The table below keeps every other input at the example value and moves only “Current balance ($)” up and down by 10% and 20%. It shows how sensitive the projected balance is to that one figure.
| Current balance ($) | Projected balance |
|---|---|
| 40,000 | $955,493.80 |
| 45,000 | $984,211.25 |
| 50,000 | $1,012,928.71 |
| 55,000 | $1,041,646.16 |
| 60,000 | $1,070,363.62 |
At 40,000 the result is $955,493.80; at 60,000 it is $1,070,363.62. 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
A 1% difference in fees over 30 years can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Compare funds on the ATO YourSuper tool.
Keep going
Before relying on the number, read Superannuation Balance Mistakes Australians Make and How to Avoid Them. You might also find these guides useful:
- How the Retirement Savings Goal Calculator Works (With a Worked Example)
- Super Contributions Tax Calculator: Formula, Example and What the Result Means
- Using a Concessional Contributions Cap Calculator in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide
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 Superannuation Balance Projection.
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.