How Much Superannuation Do I Need?

How the required balance is estimated

The calculator assumes you draw a fixed income in today's dollars each year, increasing with inflation, while your remaining balance keeps earning your assumed investment return. It uses these figures to work out the lump sum that would be fully drawn down by the end of your chosen number of years — the same logic behind the "how long will it last" calculator, just solved in the opposite direction.

Industry bodies publish rough retirement income benchmarks — commonly a "modest" and a "comfortable" standard — which can be a useful sanity check alongside your own number, but your actual required income depends on your own expected lifestyle, housing situation, and other assets.

Comparing this to your projected balance

Once you have a required balance from this calculator, compare it with your projected balance from the main Superannuation Calculator. If your projected balance falls short, options worth exploring — ideally with a financial adviser — include increasing voluntary or salary sacrifice contributions, adjusting your investment option, or reconsidering your planned retirement age.