Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen · Personal Finance Analyst (CFA, MSc Finance) · Reviewed

UK Pension Calculators 2025/26

Plan your retirement with our free UK pension calculators, all updated for the 2025/26 tax year. Whether you are paying into a workplace pension under auto-enrolment, building a SIPP, comparing drawdown against an annuity, or working out your state pension entitlement, our tools give you instant, accurate projections. Calculate the impact of employer contributions, tax relief at your marginal rate, the 25% tax-free lump sum, and the new pension allowance rules following the abolition of the lifetime allowance. Every calculator uses the latest HMRC pension tax rules and Department for Work and Pensions state pension thresholds.

Workplace & Personal Pensions (7)

Drawdown & Annuity (15)

State Pension (11)

Retirement Planning (11)

Other Pension Tools (89)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I need to retire in the UK?

According to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, a comfortable retirement for a single person costs around £43,100 per year, moderate is £31,300, and minimum is £14,400. Use our pension calculators to model the pot size needed for your target lifestyle.

What is the 25% tax-free pension lump sum?

You can normally take 25% of your defined contribution pension pot as a tax-free lump sum from age 55 (rising to 57 in April 2028). The maximum tax-free amount is capped at £268,275 for most people.

How does pension tax relief work?

Pension contributions receive tax relief at your marginal rate — basic rate (20%), higher rate (40%), or additional rate (45%). For most workplace pensions this is given automatically; higher and additional rate taxpayers may need to claim the extra relief through self-assessment.

What is the UK state pension worth in 2025/26?

The full new State Pension is £230.25 per week (£11,973 per year) for the 2025/26 tax year. You typically need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions to get the full amount.

Should I take an annuity or use drawdown?

Annuities provide guaranteed income for life but lock in current rates. Drawdown gives flexibility and growth potential but carries investment risk. Our calculators let you compare both based on your pot size, age, and income needs.