Getting the Most From a Super Fees Comparison Calculator: Tips and Common Errors

Updated 8 July 2026 · Super and retirement

A Super Fees Comparison Calculator gives a fast answer, but the answer is only as good as what goes in. These are the mistakes we see most often with super fees comparison calculations in Australia, and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring fees

A fee difference of 1% a year looks tiny but can reduce a balance by six figures over a working life.

2. Going over the contribution caps

Excess concessional contributions are taxed at your marginal rate, and the cap includes your employer’s contributions.

3. Not checking your employer pays super

Check your fund statements or myGov to confirm contributions arrive. Unpaid super can be reported to the ATO.

4. Leaving multiple accounts open

Each account charges fees and may carry insurance premiums. Consolidating through myGov is usually quick.

5. Overlooking the detail that matters most here

Look at total fees including admin, investment and indirect costs, not just the headline admin fee.

How the cost of higher fees changes with return before fees

A common mistake is getting one input slightly wrong. Here is what happens to the cost of higher fees when “Return before fees (%)” is off by up to 20% in either direction, with everything else held steady.

Return before fees (%)	Cost of higher fees
6	$80,795.79
7	$101,430.68
8	$127,064.05

At 6 the result is $80,795.79; at 8 it is $127,064.05. 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 quick sense check

Balance = starting balance × (1 + return − fees)^years for each fund. With typical inputs the calculator returns cost of higher fees of $101,430.68. If your own result looks wildly different, check that each figure is in the right unit and period (weekly, monthly or yearly) before drawing conclusions.