UK Pension Contribution Calculator
See exactly how much a workplace pension contribution costs you after tax relief, and what your employer adds on top.
Total going into your pension
—
Your net cost (after relief) —
Employer adds —
Tax relief you receive —
Higher and additional-rate taxpayers often need to claim relief above 20% through Self Assessment.
✉ Email me this result
</> Embed this calculator
Paste this into any website or blog post. It is free — the small "powered by" link must stay visible.
How it works
Net cost = contribution × (1 − your marginal tax rate); total saved = your contribution + employer contribution + tax reliefFrequently Asked Questions
How does pension tax relief work?
The government tops up your contribution by your tax rate: a basic-rate (20%) taxpayer paying £100 into a pension only feels an £80 reduction in take-home pay, because £20 comes from tax relief. Higher-rate taxpayers get more relief but often need to claim the extra via Self Assessment.
What is the minimum workplace pension contribution?
Under UK auto-enrolment, the legal minimum is 8% of qualifying earnings combined, with at least 3% from the employer — many employers match higher voluntary contributions, which is effectively free money.
Should I contribute more than the minimum?
If your employer matches contributions above the minimum, that match alone is a strong reason to contribute more — it's an immediate guaranteed return that's hard to beat elsewhere.