Estimate your KiwiSaver contributions, employer contributions and projected future balance based on your salary, contribution rates, investment returns, fees and savings horizon.
Content written and reviewed by the Frontiers Finance team · Last updated: 18 August 2026
Quick answer
How do KiwiSaver contributions work?
KiwiSaver savings can include employee contributions, employer contributions after applicable ESCT, eligible government contributions and investment returns. Your projected balance depends on contribution rates, salary, fees, investment performance and how long your money remains invested.
Employee contributions
Based on your chosen rate
Employer contributions
May apply through employment
Employer contribution tax
ESCT may apply
Long-term projection
Contributions + investment growth
KiwiSaver Calculator
Estimate your KiwiSaver savings
Estimate your personal contributions, employer contributions, government contribution and the potential future value of your KiwiSaver account.
Your projection will appear here
Complete the form and calculate to see an estimate of your future KiwiSaver balance.
How does KiwiSaver work?
KiwiSaver is a New Zealand long-term savings scheme primarily designed to help members build savings for retirement. Contributions are invested through the KiwiSaver fund selected by the member.
Employee contributions
Eligible employees can contribute a portion of their pay to KiwiSaver. The amount accumulated depends in part on the selected contribution rate and employment income.
Employer contributions
Employers may also contribute to an employee's KiwiSaver account when the applicable eligibility and employment rules are met.
ESCT on employer contributions
Employer Superannuation Contribution Tax (ESCT) can be deducted from employer KiwiSaver contributions before the net contribution is credited to the member's account.
Investment of contributions
KiwiSaver contributions are invested through the selected fund. Investment returns and risk can vary depending on the type of fund and financial market conditions.
What affects your KiwiSaver balance?
Your future KiwiSaver balance depends on several factors. A projection can show how different contribution and investment assumptions may affect your long-term savings.
Employee contributions
Higher personal contribution rates generally increase the amount invested and can materially affect your long-term balance.
Employer contributions
Employer contributions can add to your savings over time. The net amount reaching your KiwiSaver account may be reduced by ESCT.
Investment returns
Future investment returns are uncertain. Projections use an assumed annual return and do not guarantee future results.
Savings horizon
A longer savings period gives contributions and compounded investment returns more time to contribute to account growth.
Employer contributions
How are KiwiSaver employer contributions calculated?
Employer KiwiSaver contributions are generally based on eligible gross pay and the employer contribution rate. ESCT may then be deducted before the remaining amount is credited to your KiwiSaver account.
Gross employer contribution
The contribution calculated from your eligible salary or wages before employer contribution tax.
ESCT deduction
Employer Superannuation Contribution Tax may be deducted from the employer contribution according to the applicable ESCT rate.
Net employer contribution
The remaining employer contribution after ESCT is the amount that can be credited to your KiwiSaver savings.
What the calculator estimates
The KiwiSaver calculator combines the main components of your savings to provide a projection of how your account could develop over time.
Your contributions
Estimate the KiwiSaver contributions made from your employment income.
Employer contributions
Estimate employer contributions and the amount potentially added after applicable ESCT.
Investment growth
Project potential account growth using your assumed annual investment return.
Future balance
Estimate the potential value of your KiwiSaver account at the end of the selected savings period.
KiwiSaver government contribution
Eligible KiwiSaver members may receive a government contribution when they meet the applicable contribution and eligibility requirements. This can increase the amount added to your KiwiSaver savings during the year.
Government contribution amounts and eligibility rules can change. The calculator uses the rules implemented for the selected projection assumptions.
Frequently asked questions
KiwiSaver calculator FAQs
Common questions about KiwiSaver employee contributions, employer contributions, ESCT, government contributions and projected balances.
How much can I contribute to KiwiSaver?
Eligible employees can generally choose from available KiwiSaver employee contribution rates. The contribution amount is calculated from eligible salary or wages and the selected rate.
How much does my employer contribute to KiwiSaver?
Employer contributions depend on the applicable KiwiSaver employment rules, eligible earnings and the employer contribution rate. The amount credited to your account can be lower than the gross employer contribution because ESCT may apply.
What is ESCT on KiwiSaver employer contributions?
ESCT is Employer Superannuation Contribution Tax. It can be deducted from employer KiwiSaver contributions before the remaining amount is credited to your KiwiSaver account.
How is my future KiwiSaver balance estimated?
The projection combines your current balance, employee and employer contributions, eligible government contributions, investment returns, fees, salary growth and the number of years until your selected retirement age.
Does the government contribute to KiwiSaver?
Eligible KiwiSaver members may receive a government contribution when the applicable requirements are met. The amount depends on current KiwiSaver rules and your eligible personal contributions.
Important information
KiwiSaver rules, contribution rates, employer contributions, eligibility requirements and other parameters can change. Calculator results are estimates based on the information entered and the rules modeled by Frontiers Finance.
Results are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute tax, financial or investment advice. Always verify applicable rules and amounts using official New Zealand sources and information from your KiwiSaver provider.
Official sources
KiwiSaver sources
The calculator and explanatory information are based on New Zealand KiwiSaver guidance. Check Inland Revenue for current contribution, employer and tax rules.
