Pension calculator
Estimated completion time: 5 minutes
Before you start
- The current value of your pension(s)
- How much you (and your employer if you're employed) pay into them
The calculator uses the HMRC UK Personal Allowance and tax bands for England and Northern Ireland from 6 April 2023 to 5 April 2024. Scottish and Welsh income tax thresholds may differ.
- When you plan to retire, or start taking money from your pension(s)
You can use the pension calculator to help predict what you could get at retirement and plan for the future. It works by using assumptions on things like growth rates, investment fees, and length of investing. Just pop in details of all your pensions and we'll rustle up the numbers.
Remember, the pension calculator only gives you an estimate and your future income may differ significantly from the figures provided. It isn’t intended as a recommendation or personalised advice.
If you do want to make changes to your pension, we strongly recommend you talk to a financial adviser. If you would like more information about getting financial advice, visit our financial advice webpage.
Tax benefits are subject to change and depend on individual circumstances.
What you’ll find out
Answer a few simple questions to see an estimate of how much you may be able to retire on from the time you turn 55 (57 from 6 April 2028 unless you have a protected pension age) if you were to use a flexible income (drawdown), a guaranteed income (annuity), or withdraw your pension(s) as cash.
Up to 25% of your pension(s) is available tax-free with the remainder being taxable. As you go through the tool, you will learn more about these options.
A flexible way to fund retirement
You can take money directly from your pension to suit your needs and keep the rest invested with income drawdown. While invested, its value can go up and down.
Get a guaranteed income for life
Use your pension to buy an annuity, which will pay you a regular guaranteed income for the rest of your life. Once bought, the annuity usually can’t be changed.
Withdrawing your pension
If you’d prefer everything in one go when you retire, you can choose to take your entire pension as a lump sum. Remember that this money may have to last you the rest of your life and you’ll need to consider the tax implications of a full withdrawal.
Pension Wise
Pension Wise from MoneyHelper is a free, impartial, government-backed guidance service. If you're 50 or over and you want to understand your retirement options, make it your first port of call.
Visit the MoneyHelper website or call 0800 138 3944 for details.
Pension articles
Take a look at our library of helpful articles and guides.
Taking part of your pension
There are a few different ways to take your money as you approach retirement. See your options on withdrawing part of your pension money.
What’s the difference between financial guidance and advice?
Financial guidance or advice can be a huge help when it comes to money matters. See how our experts can help you plan your retirement.
Taking all your pension in cash
See the impact of withdrawing your pension money as one lump sum – and what you can do instead.
Leave your money where it is for now
Not touching your money right away could make a difference to the size of your pension pot.
Mix and match your retirement options
Choosing a few retirement options (rather than just one) could help you get the retirement lifestyle you're after.