KiwiSaver balance projection at 65 (2026/27)

This table shows how much your KiwiSaver balance could grow to by age 65, cross-referencing your starting age against your contribution rate so you can see the scale of the difference each choice makes. Down the left side are seven starting ages, from 25 through to 55 in five-year steps, and across the top are five employee contribution rates, from the default 3.5% up to the maximum 10%. Every figure in the table is built on the same set of assumptions: a $70,000 salary, the 2026/27 government contribution of $260.72 a year, a 3.5% employer contribution, a starting balance of zero and a 5% average annual return, compounded from your chosen starting age through to 65. Read across a row to see what a higher contribution rate adds to your balance at the same starting age, or down a column to see how many extra years of compounding are worth at the same rate. It is designed as a quick reference for comparing scenarios rather than for entering your own numbers directly; for a projection using your actual salary, contribution rate, current balance and expected return, use the linked KiwiSaver calculator instead. Real investment returns vary from year to year, and tax and fund fees will reduce the balances shown here, so treat every figure as an indicative projection rather than a guarantee or financial advice.

Starting age	3.5%	4%	6%	8%	10%
25	$623,414	$665,694	$834,813	$1,003,933	$1,173,053
30	$466,118	$497,730	$624,178	$750,627	$877,075
35	$342,872	$366,126	$459,140	$552,155	$645,169
40	$246,306	$263,011	$329,829	$396,647	$463,464
45	$170,644	$182,217	$228,510	$274,802	$321,094
50	$111,361	$118,913	$149,123	$179,333	$209,543
55	$64,911	$69,313	$86,922	$104,531	$122,140

Assumptions

Salary $70,000; employer contribution 3.5%; government contribution $260.72 a year (the 2026/27 maximum, which applies because the employee contribution exceeds $1,042.86 at every rate shown); net return 5% a year; starting balance zero; contributions to age 65. Real returns vary, and tax and fees reduce balances; this is a projection, not advice. The default contribution rate from 1 April 2026 is 3.5%.

Use and cite

Free to use and cite with a link to this page. Part of our research and reference data.

Computed from Calculate.co.nz's KiwiSaver model. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.