Continue your plan
Useful next calculations
When to use this calculator
- Before choosing between saving, investing or changing a contribution.
- When you want to compare cautious, base and optimistic return assumptions.
- When you need a projection before making a longer-term decision.
- When you want to see whether starting earlier or contributing more changes the outcome more.
A realistic UK planning example
Use these sample inputs as a quick scenario test, then change one variable at a time to compare outcomes.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Your Annual Pension Contribution (£) | £35,000 |
| Your Income Tax Band | Basic rate (20%) |
| Employer Annual Contribution (£) | £250 per month |
After entering these figures, review basic rate relief added, additional relief to claim and total tax relief together rather than in isolation. Then rerun the tool with one input adjusted.
How to read your results
Basic Rate Relief Added
The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.
Additional Relief to Claim
The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.
Total Tax Relief
Review this figure alongside your gross income so you can understand deductions before the tax year closes. It is a planning estimate, not a filed return.
Your Net Cost
The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.
Total Into Pot
The headline outcome of this calculation. It is most useful when read alongside the supporting metrics rather than in isolation.
Method & assumptionsAuthoritative sources
This calculator models pension tax relief under the relief at source system, which is used by the majority of personal and SIPP pension providers in the UK. You enter the gross contribution amount — the total that lands in your pot including the basic rate top-up — and select your marginal income tax band for the 2026/27 tax year. The calculator splits the total relief into two components: the 20% basic rate relief added automatically by your provider, and any additional relief above 20% that higher, additional, or Scottish-rate taxpayers are entitled to claim back via Self Assessment. The effective cost to you is your gross contribution minus total relief, representing what the pension actually costs from your after-tax income.
The tool includes the Scottish intermediate rate (21%) and Scottish higher rate (42%) as these diverge from UK-wide rates and require Scottish taxpayers to claim the marginal difference separately. The annual allowance of £60,000 and the tapered allowance for high earners are not modelled here — if your total contributions exceed £60,000, an annual allowance charge may apply. Employer contributions are included in the total pot calculation only and do not affect the personal relief figures. Always verify your relief entitlement with HMRC or a regulated financial adviser, as individual circumstances may affect the amounts claimable.
Common mistakes
- !Assuming a constant return without checking a more conservative growth rate.
- !Forgetting ongoing contributions, fees or tax wrappers where relevant.
- !Focusing only on the final balance instead of the path required to reach it.
- !Ignoring the drag of charges over a long period.
What to do next
- Test a cautious, expected and optimistic growth rate.
- Compare this result with related savings or retirement tools before committing more money.
- Consider charges and any tax wrapper that applies.
- If the projected balance falls short, increase the contribution until the result meets your goal.
Frequently asked
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