KiwiSaver Calculator NZ: Project Your Balance at 65
Estimate how much you could have in KiwiSaver by age 65. Add your current balance, salary, contribution rate, employer contribution, voluntary top-ups and fund type to compare your projected balance in future dollars and today’s buying power.
Updated 5 July 2026 · Includes the 3.5% default contribution rate introduced on 1 April 2026 and the scheduled 4% default from 1 April 2028
- The calculator projects your KiwiSaver account to age 65 using monthly contributions and compound investment returns.
- It estimates employee, employer and government contributions separately and deducts estimated ESCT from employer contributions.
- Results are scenarios, not promises. Actual returns, fees, tax, salary changes, contribution breaks and withdrawals will change your balance.
How is a KiwiSaver balance calculated?
Employee contribution:Gross salary × selected KiwiSaver contribution rate
Net employer contribution:Gross salary × employer rate × (1 − estimated ESCT rate)
Government contribution:25 cents per eligible member dollar, capped at $260.72 a year
Projected balance:Current balance + contributions + compound investment returns − any modelled withdrawal
The calculator applies investment growth monthly, increases salary using your selected salary-growth assumption, and converts the final result to today’s dollars using your inflation assumption.
KiwiSaver changes in 2026 and 2028
The default employee and matching compulsory employer contribution rate increased from 3% to 3.5% on 1 April 2026. It is scheduled to increase again to 4% on 1 April 2028.
A temporary rate reduction can allow an employee to continue contributing 3% for 3 to 12 months. The government contribution is now 25 cents per member dollar, up to $260.72 each year, subject to age, residence and taxable-income eligibility.
Your KiwiSaver details
Your KiwiSaver projection
Projection to age 65Calculating your projection…
Illustrative account balance over time. The second line uses the selected comparison contribution rate.
| Starting KiwiSaver balance | $0 |
| Your projected contributions | $0 |
| Employer contributions after estimated ESCT | $0 |
| Estimated government contributions | $0 |
| Modelled first-home withdrawal | −$0 |
| Estimated investment growth | $0 |
| Projected balance at 65 | $0 |
| Illustrative weekly amount over 25 years | $0 |
How this KiwiSaver Calculator NZ works
The calculator models your KiwiSaver balance month by month from your current age to 65. It adds your member contributions, estimated employer contributions after ESCT and any government contribution for which you appear eligible. The total is then grown using the selected illustrative net investment return.
For employees, contributions rise when salary rises. If the scheduled-rate option is selected, a 3.5% employee rate and a 3.5% employer rate are changed to 4% from April 2028. Rates already above 3.5% are left unchanged.
The calculation shows both the future account balance and its estimated value in today’s dollars. The today-dollar figure discounts the future balance using your inflation assumption, helping you compare future money with current purchasing power.
- Employee contributions are calculated from before-tax salary at the selected payroll rate.
- Employer contributions are reduced by an estimated ESCT rate based on salary plus gross employer contributions.
- Government contributions are estimated at 25 cents per eligible dollar contributed, capped at $260.72 a year.
- Investment growth uses an illustrative net annual return and compounds monthly.
- Inflation affects the today-dollar value but does not change the future nominal account balance.
KiwiSaver contribution rates in 2026
From 1 April 2026, the standard minimum employee rate is 3.5% of before-tax salary or wages. Employees can generally choose 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10%. A temporary reduction to 3% may be available for 3 to 12 months.
| Rate | Status in 2026 | How the calculator treats it |
|---|---|---|
| 3% | Temporary rate reduction | Modelled as an ongoing 3% scenario; repeated approval may be needed in practice. |
| 3.5% | Default minimum from 1 April 2026 | Can automatically rise to 4% in April 2028 when the scheduled-change option is selected. |
| 4% | Available employee rate and scheduled 2028 default | Remains 4% throughout the projection. |
| 6%, 8% or 10% | Optional higher payroll rates | Remains at the selected higher rate unless you change the input. |
Source: Inland Revenue, KiwiSaver changes and employee contributions to KiwiSaver.
Investment-return assumptions used in the calculator
The default fund-type assumptions follow the long-term net-return assumptions published for Sorted’s KiwiSaver calculator. They vary by fund type and PIR and are not expected returns for any named provider or fund.
| Fund type | 28% PIR | 17.5% PIR | 10.5% PIR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defensive | 1.5% | 1.6% | 1.9% |
| Conservative | 2.5% | 2.7% | 3.0% |
| Balanced | 3.5% | 3.8% | 4.1% |
| Growth | 4.5% | 4.9% | 5.2% |
| Aggressive | 5.5% | 6.0% | 6.3% |
Real funds will produce returns above and below these assumptions, sometimes by a large amount. Fund fees, tax treatment, market conditions and the timing of contributions all affect actual results. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Methodology source: Sorted, how the KiwiSaver calculator works.
How the KiwiSaver government contribution works
For each eligible dollar you contribute between 1 July and 30 June, the government may contribute 25 cents, up to a maximum of $260.72. To receive the full amount, you generally need to contribute at least $1,042.86 during the member-credit year.
Eligibility includes age, residence and taxable-income conditions. From the 2025 changes, people with taxable income above $180,000 do not qualify. The calculator uses your entered salary as a practical screening figure, but it cannot know your complete taxable income or residence status.
Government contributions stop once you reach 65. If you join, turn 16 or reach 65 during a member-credit year, the amount can be proportionately reduced.
Source: Inland Revenue, KiwiSaver benefits.
Why employer contributions are lower after ESCT
Your employer’s compulsory contribution is based on a percentage of gross salary, but the full gross amount does not normally reach your KiwiSaver account. Employer superannuation contribution tax, known as ESCT, is deducted first.
This calculator estimates ESCT using the current bands and your projected salary plus gross employer contributions. Actual payroll calculations may differ because the employer normally bases the rate on prior-year earnings or a current-year estimate, and some employment agreements treat employer contributions differently.
| Salary plus gross employer contributions | Estimated ESCT rate |
|---|---|
| $0 to $18,720 | 10.5% |
| $18,721 to $64,200 | 17.5% |
| $64,201 to $93,720 | 30% |
| $93,721 to $216,000 | 33% |
| $216,001 and over | 39% |
Source: Inland Revenue, employer superannuation contribution tax.
What has the biggest effect on your KiwiSaver projection?
Your contribution rate
Moving from 3.5% to 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% increases the money invested each pay and gives those extra contributions more time to compound.
Your fund and time horizon
Higher-growth funds usually have more ups and downs. The appropriate risk level depends on how long you have until you need the money and how you react to volatility.
Contribution breaks and withdrawals
A savings suspension or first-home withdrawal reduces the amount left to compound. The effect can be significant when it happens early in the projection.
Should I choose the best-performing KiwiSaver fund?
There is no reliable way to know which fund will perform best in the future. Compare funds of a similar type using risk, fees, services and long-term performance rather than choosing only the latest winner. Sorted’s fund finder and Smart Investor can help you compare regulated KiwiSaver funds.
How to use the KiwiSaver Calculator NZ
- Select your employment status. Employee projections include salary-based member and employer contributions.
- Enter your age and current KiwiSaver balance. Use the latest balance shown by your provider or myIR.
- Add your salary and contribution rate. Choose 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% where applicable.
- Check your employer contribution. The current compulsory minimum is generally 3.5%, but your employment agreement may provide more or structure it differently.
- Select a fund type and PIR. This sets the illustrative net investment return unless you enter a custom assumption.
- Add optional top-ups or a first-home withdrawal. These can materially change the final balance.
- Review the result and comparison. Compare your future balance, today-dollar value and the impact of another contribution rate.
How accurate is a KiwiSaver calculator?
A KiwiSaver calculator can accurately apply the assumptions entered, but it cannot predict future investment markets, job changes, salary growth, law changes, fees, tax rates, contribution breaks or personal withdrawals. Results should therefore be treated as planning scenarios.
For a more useful range, run the calculator several times using a lower and higher investment return, different contribution rates and a period without contributions. Update your calculation at least once a year using your latest account balance and salary.
This page deliberately keeps KiwiSaver separate from your complete retirement plan. To combine KiwiSaver with other savings, NZ Super and a target retirement income, use the related Retirement Calculator NZ.
KiwiSaver Calculator Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single correct balance because the amount depends on your desired retirement lifestyle, housing costs, other savings, NZ Super entitlement and how long the money must last. Use this calculator to estimate your balance, then use a full retirement calculator to compare it with your target income.
You become eligible to withdraw your KiwiSaver savings when you reach the current NZ Super eligibility age of 65. You can leave the money invested, withdraw some or all of it, and may continue contributing. Government contributions stop at 65, and compulsory employer contributions may stop depending on your employment arrangement.
Yes. The default employee and matching employer rate rose to 3.5% on 1 April 2026 and is scheduled to rise to 4% on 1 April 2028. Employees already contributing above the default keep their selected higher rate.
You may apply to Inland Revenue for a temporary rate reduction to 3% for a period of 3 to 12 months. You can apply again, including back-to-back, but 3% is no longer the standard permanent employee rate.
An employee may use an approved temporary rate reduction to contribute 3%. A savings suspension is a separate option and has different rules. Self-employed and non-working members can generally choose the amount and timing of direct contributions with their provider.
Under the current rules, contribute at least $1,042.86 of your own money between 1 July and 30 June and meet the age, residence and taxable-income requirements. The maximum government contribution is $260.72, and your provider normally claims it for you.
For employees, the standard minimum contribution rate is 3.5% of before-tax salary or wages from 1 April 2026. Available higher rates are 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%. A temporary approved reduction to 3% may be available.
Age-based averages or rules of thumb do not show whether you are on track for your own goal. Enter your actual age, balance, salary, rate and fund into the calculator, then compare the age-65 result with the retirement income you expect to need.
Published averages change over time and can be distorted by age, income, membership duration and large balances. An average is not a retirement target. Your required balance should reflect your spending, housing position, other assets and expected NZ Super income.
The retirement 4% rule is a withdrawal guideline, not the KiwiSaver contribution-rate rule. It suggests starting retirement withdrawals near 4% of a portfolio and adjusting later withdrawals, but it is not guaranteed to suit New Zealand tax, fees, markets, life expectancy or an individual’s circumstances.
You may be able to withdraw most of your KiwiSaver savings after at least three years of membership to buy an eligible first home, while leaving at least $1,000 in the account. Provider and eligibility requirements apply. The calculator can model the effect of an entered future withdrawal.
No one knows which fund will perform best next. Compare funds within the same risk category using fees, long-term performance, services and investment approach. Do not choose a fund only because it had the highest recent return.
No. This page focuses only on your KiwiSaver account. NZ Super, other investments, property and retirement spending belong in a broader retirement calculation.
No. It is a general educational projection based on the information and assumptions entered. It does not recommend a provider, contribution rate, fund, PIR, withdrawal strategy or retirement plan.
This calculator provides an illustrative KiwiSaver projection only. It is not financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Actual outcomes may differ materially because investment returns are variable, fees and tax differ between funds and members, laws can change, and your salary, contributions, employment, withdrawals and retirement date may not follow the assumptions entered. Check current rules with Inland Revenue and your scheme provider, and consider licensed financial advice for personal decisions.