UK Workplace Pension Calculator
Estimate UK automatic-enrolment pension contributions from you and your employer.
About the UK Workplace Pension Calculator
Enter your salary and the percentages you and your employer pay. The calculator works out qualifying earnings and the yearly and monthly amounts going into your pension, including basic-rate tax relief, and what it costs you after relief.
Employers must enrol workers earning over £10,000 a year. The legal minimum is 8% of qualifying earnings (£6,240 to £50,270 for 2026/27), with at least 3% from the employer. Some employers calculate on full salary instead.
The formula
Contribution = (min(salary, £50,270) − £6,240) × rate
Worked example
£35,000 salary at the minimum 5% + 3%
- Qualifying earnings: £35,000 − £6,240 = £28,760
- You £1,438 (about £288 of it tax relief); employer £863
- £2,301 a year in total, £191.73 a month
Things to keep in mind
- Assumes relief at source; with net pay arrangements relief comes through your payslip instead. Higher-rate taxpayers can claim more relief.
Questions people ask
Can I opt out?
Yes, but you lose your employer's contribution.
What is salary sacrifice?
Your contract salary is reduced and the employer pays it in, saving National Insurance too.
Is 8% enough?
It's a legal minimum, not a target; many guides suggest about half your age as a percentage when you start.