Super Co-contribution Calculator Explained for Australians
Estimates the government co-contribution for after-tax super contributions. 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 Super Co-contribution 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 |
|---|---|
| Total income ($) | 50000 |
| After-tax contribution ($) | 1000 |
| Lower income threshold ($) | 47488 |
| Upper income threshold ($) | 62488 |
The formula
The government adds 50 cents per dollar up to $500. The maximum falls evenly to zero between the lower and upper thresholds (update these each year).
Worked example
Entering the example values above gives these results:
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Government co-contribution | $416.27 |
| Contribution needed for the maximum | $832.53 |
The headline figure is $416.27 (government co-contribution). Change any input in the calculator and every result updates instantly, so you can test different scenarios side by side.
How the government co-contribution changes with total income
The table below keeps every other input at the example value and moves only “Total income ($)” up and down by 10% and 20%. It shows how sensitive the government co-contribution is to that one figure.
| Total income ($) | Government co-contribution |
|---|---|
| 40,000 | $500.00 |
| 45,000 | $500.00 |
| 50,000 | $416.27 |
| 55,000 | $249.60 |
| 60,000 | $82.93 |
At 40,000 the result is $500.00; at 60,000 it is $82.93. 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
At least 10% of your income must come from employment or a business to be eligible.
Keep going
Before relying on the number, read Super Co-contribution Mistakes Australians Make and How to Avoid Them. You might also find these guides useful:
- How the Spouse Super Contribution Tax Offset Calculator Works (With a Worked Example)
- Retirement Countdown Calculator: Formula, Example and What the Result Means
- Using a Retirement Drawdown 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 Super Co-contribution 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.