Pension Comparison Calculator
Compare projected pension pots under two scenarios.
Compare projected pension pot values under two fee and return scenarios for the same contributions and horizon. Enter years to see both final pots and the gap.
What this tool does
Enter contributions, years, and fees plus returns for two pensions. The tool shows both final pots and the gap.
Enter Values
Formula Used
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Disclaimer
Results are estimates for educational purposes only. They do not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
Fee drag compounds over decades. A 1.5% annual fee vs 0.3% on the same pension grows to a major gap over 30 years. 500/month over 30 years at 7% net becomes 566,000; at 5.8% net (1.2% higher fees) it becomes 443,000 — 123,000 less. Choosing a low-cost pension provider might be the single most valuable long-term financial decision most people can make.
Run it with sensible defaults
Using monthly contribution of 500, years of 30, pension a net return of 7%, pension b net return of 5.8%, the calculation works out to 126,518.64. Nudge the inputs toward your own situation and the output recalculates instantly. The defaults are meant as a starting point, not a recommendation.
The levers in this calculation
The inputs — Monthly Contribution, Years, Pension A Net Return, and Pension B Net Return — do not pull with equal force. Two inputs usually tip the answer one way or the other. Identify which ones matter most by flipping each value past a round threshold and watching whether the winning option changes.
How the math works
Future value of monthly annuity, computed for each pension option. Gap is the cash difference after the full horizon. The working is transparent — you can verify every step yourself in the formula section below. No black box, no opaque "proprietary model".
How to use this beyond the first run
Re-run the calculation once a year. Life changes — pay rises, new expenses, interest-rate shifts — and the figure that looked right 12 months ago often isn't today. Annual recalibration keeps the plan honest.
What this doesn't capture
The calculation assumes a steady savings rate and a stable interest rate. Real saving journeys include emergencies, windfalls, and rate changes — especially in easy-access products. The figure is a direction of travel, not a guarantee.
Pension comparison produces two pot sizes based on the inputs provided.
Inputs
This example uses typical values for illustration. Adjust the inputs above to match a specific situation and see how the result changes.
Sources & Methodology
Methodology
Future value of monthly annuity, computed for each pension option. Gap is the cash difference after the full horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do fees matter so much?
Net vs gross return?
What about employer contributions?
Is cheapest always best?
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