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KiwiSaver Calculator

NZ KiwiSaver calculator: project your balance at 65 by contribution rate (3.5%-10%), employer match, govt $260.72/yr, and PIE tax. Updated 2026-27.

By Konstantin IakovlevPublished 28 March 2026Last reviewed
Data stays on your deviceIRD sourced data

About this calculator

This calculator implements KiwiSaver rules (3.5% min from April 2026) from Inland Revenue (IRD). Last consulted 3 April 2026. Verify the figures yourself by following the link.

Current KiwiSaver rates & rules

FY 2026-27 (default min raised to 3.5% on 1 April 2026)
  • •Employee contribution rate: 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10%
  • •Employer minimum contribution: 3.5% (statutory)
  • •Govt contribution: 25¢/$1, max $260.72/yr
  • •Max member contrib for full govt: $1,042.88/yr (1 Jul – 30 Jun)
  • •Withdrawal age: 65 (or 5 years after joining, if older)
  • •First-home withdrawal: All funds except $1,000

Source: IRD — KiwiSaver

Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results should not be relied upon as professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax rates and thresholds are based on publicly available IRD data and may change. Always consult a qualified tax agent or financial adviser for advice specific to your circumstances.

How KiwiSaver balance growth is calculated

Your KiwiSaver balance grows from four sources: your contribution, employer contribution, government contribution, and investment returns. Compound growth dominates the long run.

  1. 1

    Your annual contribution

    Member = gross_salary × your_rate (3% / 3.5% / 4% / 6% / 8% / 10%)

    Minimum rate increased to 3.5% from 1 April 2026.

  2. 2

    Employer minimum contribution

    Employer = gross_salary × 3.5% (statutory minimum)

    ESCT (Employer Superannuation Contribution Tax) is deducted before it lands in your KS — actual deposit is lower.

  3. 3

    Government contribution (capped)

    Govt = min(member_contribution × 25¢/$1, $260.72)

    Get max $260.72/year if you contribute at least $1,042.86 between 1 July – 30 June. Halved from $521.43 in Budget 2025.

  4. 4

    Annual returns from investment

    Returns = current_balance × expected_return_rate (e.g. 5-8% for growth fund)

    Returns vary by fund type: Defensive ~3%, Conservative ~4%, Balanced ~5-6%, Growth ~7-8%, Aggressive ~8-9% long-term.

  5. 5

    Compound balance year by year

    New_Balance = (Old_Balance + Total_Annual_Contributions) × (1 + return_rate)

    After 30 years at 6% return, every $1 invested today becomes ~$5.74.

Worked example

Inputs: $80k salary, 3.5% rate, age 30, $0 starting balance, 6% return

Result: Annual: $2,800 (member) + $2,800 (employer) + $260.72 (govt) = $5,861/yr. After 35 years at 6%: ~$695,000 balance at 65.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the KiwiSaver contribution rates?
KiwiSaver employees can choose to contribute 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10% of their gross pay each pay period. Employers are legally required to contribute at least 3.5% on top of the employee's salary — this is a mandatory minimum set by the KiwiSaver Act 2006. The government also contributes up to $260.72 per year for members aged 18 to 64 who are not yet eligible to withdraw: it adds 25 cents for every dollar the member contributes, meaning you need to contribute at least $1,042.88 per year to receive the full government credit. For someone earning $60,000 and contributing at 3.5%, that's $2,100/year from the employee, $2,100/year from the employer, and $260.72 from the government — a total of $4,460.72 before investment returns. Source: IRD — KiwiSaver (ird.govt.nz/kiwisaver).
When can I withdraw my KiwiSaver?
You can generally withdraw your full KiwiSaver balance when you turn 65 and have been a member for at least five years. Earlier withdrawals are available in specific circumstances: first home purchase (after three years of membership, subject to house price caps and eligibility criteria); significant financial hardship (assessed by your KiwiSaver provider); serious illness or permanent disability; and permanent emigration to a country other than Australia. Australian emigration has different rules — your funds transfer to an Australian super fund rather than being paid out. If you withdraw early for a first home, employer contributions and government contributions remain in the fund for retirement. Source: IRD — KiwiSaver Withdrawals (ird.govt.nz/kiwisaver).
What is the KiwiSaver government contribution?
The KiwiSaver government contribution (formerly called the member tax credit) is an annual payment of up to $260.72 for eligible members. If you are aged 18 to 64, live mainly in New Zealand, and are not yet eligible to make retirement withdrawals, the government contributes 25 cents for every dollar you contribute from your own money — up to the $260.72 maximum. To receive the full $260.72, you must contribute at least $1,042.88 in the KiwiSaver year (1 July to 30 June). If you contribute less, you receive a proportional amount — for example, $500 in personal contributions earns $250 in government contributions. Employer contributions do not count toward triggering the government credit. The credit is paid by IRD directly into your KiwiSaver account each year in July. Source: IRD — KiwiSaver Government Contributions (ird.govt.nz/kiwisaver).

The KiwiSaver calculator estimates your retirement savings based on your employee contribution rate, employer contributions, and the annual government contribution.

How this calculator works

KiwiSaver deducts a percentage of your gross salary (3%, 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10%) before paying you. Your employer must contribute at least 3.5% on top of your gross salary. The government adds 25 cents for every $1 you contribute, up to $260.72 per year. The calculator projects your balance at age 65 based on an assumed fund return rate.

KiwiSaver Contribution Rates 2026-27

Employee rates3%, 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10%
Employer minimum3% of gross salary
Government contribution25c per $1 member contributes, up to $260.72/year
Member tax credit eligibilityAge 18+ and contributing at least $1,042.88/year

The government contribution year runs 1 July to 30 June.

Employer Superannuation Contribution Tax (ESCT) Rates

$0 - $16,80010.5%
$16,801 - $57,60017.5%
$57,601 - $84,00030%
$84,001 - $216,00033%
$216,001+39%

ESCT is deducted from the employer contribution before it reaches your KiwiSaver account.

Worked Examples

Salary $60,000, employee rate 3%, employer 3%, balanced fund at 5% p.a., age 30

Estimated balance at 65: approximately $295,000 (excluding existing balance).

  1. Employee contribution: $60,000 x 3% = $1,800/year
  2. Employer contribution (pre-ESCT): $60,000 x 3% = $1,800/year
  3. ESCT on employer contribution (17.5%): $1,800 x 17.5% = $315
  4. Net employer contribution: $1,800 - $315 = $1,485/year
  5. Government contribution: $1,800 x 25c/$1 = $450, capped at $260.72/year
  6. Total annual contributions: $1,800 + $1,485 + $260.72 = $3,806.43
  7. Compounded over 35 years at 5% p.a.

Salary $85,000, employee rate 6%, employer 3%, growth fund at 7% p.a., age 25

Estimated balance at 65: approximately $720,000 (excluding existing balance).

  1. Employee contribution: $85,000 x 6% = $5,100/year
  2. Employer contribution (pre-ESCT): $85,000 x 3% = $2,550/year
  3. ESCT on employer contribution (30%): $2,550 x 30% = $765
  4. Net employer contribution: $2,550 - $765 = $1,785/year
  5. Government contribution: capped at $260.72/year
  6. Total annual contributions: $5,100 + $1,785 + $260.72 = $7,406.43
  7. Compounded over 40 years at 7% p.a.

Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the IRD and official New Zealand government sources.

Last reviewed:

Official Sources

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