What's the difference between concessional and non-concessional contributions?

Concessional (before-tax) contributions are taxed at 15% going in and count toward the concessional cap. Non-concessional (after-tax) contributions have no contributions tax but count toward a separate, larger cap.

Why would I salary sacrifice into super?

Contributions are taxed at a flat 15% instead of your marginal income tax rate, which is a saving for anyone on a marginal rate above 15%.

What happens if I exceed the concessional cap?

Excess concessional contributions are added to your assessable income and taxed at your marginal rate (with an offset for the 15% already paid), plus an excess concessional contributions charge.

What is Division 293 tax?

An additional 15% tax on some or all concessional contributions of individuals with income plus contributions over $250,000 — on top of the standard 15%, for a combined 30% on those amounts.

Is my super balance guaranteed to grow at the rate I entered?

No — the growth rate is an assumption you control. Real superannuation investment returns vary by year and by investment option, and can be negative in some years.

Does this calculator account for insurance premiums inside my super?

No — many super funds deduct life/TPD/income-protection insurance premiums directly from your balance, which would reduce actual growth below this projection.

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Finance

Australia Superannuation Calculator

SG contributions, salary sacrifice, and 15% contributions tax growth projection.

🔒 Runs entirely in your browser — nothing here is ever uploaded

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Last reviewed 2026-08-30

About the Australia Superannuation Calculator

Projects your Australian superannuation growth from your Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions and any extra salary sacrifice, after 15% contributions tax, with a warning if you exceed the concessional contributions cap.

100% Free Runs in Your Browser No Sign-Up Required

How to use it

Enter your annual salary and the Superannuation Guarantee rate your employer pays (12% is the standard mandatory minimum).
Enter any extra salary sacrifice or personal concessional contribution you make.
Enter your marginal tax rate, to compare salary sacrifice's tax benefit.
Enter your current super balance and years until retirement, plus expected annual growth.
Read your projected balance, contributions tax, and tax saving in the result panel.

Formula

SG contribution = salary × SG rate. Total concessional contributions = SG + salary sacrifice, capped at the concessional contributions cap. Contributions tax = capped total × 15%. Net added to super = capped total − contributions tax. Tax saved by salary-sacrificing = salary sacrifice amount × (your marginal rate − 15%). Projected balance = current balance × (1 + growth)^years + net annual contribution × [((1 + growth)^years − 1) ÷ growth].

Worked example

An $85,000 salary with the standard 12% SG contribution ($10,200), no extra salary sacrifice, a $40,000 starting balance, over 25 years at 7% growth: 15% contributions tax of $1,530 leaves $8,670 net added this year, projecting to roughly $765,000 at retirement.

Key FY2026-27 superannuation figures

Key FY2026-27 superannuation figures
Item	Amount / rate
Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate	12% (final legislated step, reached 1 July 2025)
Concessional contributions cap	$32,500
Contributions tax (standard)	15%
Division 293 additional tax	+15% on contributions for income over $250,000

Interpreting your result

Uses the FY2026-27 concessional contributions cap ($32,500 AUD) and the standard 15% contributions tax rate. High-income earners (adjusted income over $250,000) pay an additional Division 293 tax of 15% on part of their concessional contributions, not modeled here. Doesn't model non-concessional contributions, the 5-year carry-forward rule, or the SG maximum contribution base. Not financial advice.

Recommendations

• Salary sacrificing into super is usually only worth it if your marginal tax rate is meaningfully above 15%.
• The concessional cap covers your employer's SG contributions AND any salary sacrifice combined — a high salary alone at 12% SG can approach the cap without any voluntary contributions at all.
• If your total super balance is under $500,000, you may be able to use unused concessional cap from the previous five financial years in a single year ('carry-forward') — not modeled here.

Frequently asked questions

The mandatory minimum percentage of your salary that your employer must contribute to your super fund. It reached its final legislated rate of 12% on 1 July 2025 and stays at 12% going forward.