KiwiSaver calculator: what goes in each pay, 2026–27
On a $70,000 salary at the new 3.5% default rate, you put in $94.23 a fortnight and your employer $94.23, which is $66.03 after 30% ESCT.
Enter your salary, rates and age to see yearly totals, the government contribution and an illustrative balance at 65.
How it's worked out
Your contribution is your rate times gross pay each payday. Your employer adds their rate on top, and ESCT is taken from it at the rate for your salary band (worked out on whole dollars of the contribution). The government contribution is added once a year. The illustration grows the balance by the return you choose and adds a year of contributions each year until 65.
| Salary + employer contributions | ESCT rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $18,720 | 10.5% |
| $18,721 – $64,200 | 17.5% |
| $64,201 – $93,720 | 30% |
| $93,721 – $216,000 | 33% |
| $216,001 and over | 39% |
Worked example: $70,000 at 3.5%
Age 30, a $10,000 balance, paid fortnightly, 3.5% from you and your employer, a 4% assumed net return:
| Result | Amount |
|---|---|
| Going into KiwiSaver a year | $4,427.48 |
| You, per fortnight | $94.23 |
| Employer, before ESCT | $94.23 |
| ESCT at 30% | $28.20 |
| Employer, after ESCT | $66.03 |
| Government contribution (yearly) | $260.72 |
| Illustrative balance at 65 | $365,555 |
How to use the KiwiSaver Calculator
- Enter your salary and your contribution rate.
- Enter your employer's rate (at least 3.5%) and your pay period.
- Add your age, balance and an assumed return to see the illustration.
Key figures 2026–27
The statutory rates and thresholds this calculator uses, where each comes from, and when we last checked it.
| Figure | Value | Source and date checked |
|---|---|---|
| KiwiSaver rates | Employee 3.5, 4, 6, 8, 10% (default 3.5%); employer at least 3.5% from 1 April 2026 | KiwiSaver changes (3.5% default from 1 April 2026)Checked 2026-11-05 |
| ESCT rates | 10.5% to $18,720; 17.5% to $64,200; 30% to $93,720; 33% to $216,000; 39% above | Payroll calculations and business rules specification, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027Checked 2026-11-05 |
| Government contribution | 25c per $1 you contribute, up to $260.72 a year; none above $180,000 income | Getting the KiwiSaver government contributionChecked 2026-11-05 |
Frequently asked questions
What changed on 1 April 2026?
The default employee rate and the minimum employer contribution rose from 3% to 3.5%. They are due to rise again to 4% from 1 April 2028. Members can apply for a temporary reduction to 3%.
What is ESCT?
Employer superannuation contribution tax, taken from your employer's contribution before it reaches your account. The rate depends on your salary plus employer contributions for the previous year, from 10.5% to 39%.
How much is the government contribution?
25 cents for every dollar you contribute between 1 July and 30 June, up to $260.72. You need to contribute $1,042.86 to get it all, and it is not paid if your income is above $180,000.
Is the projected balance a forecast?
No. It assumes your salary, rates and return stay the same until 65. Real returns vary year to year and depend on your fund and its fees.
Is this tax advice?
No. Results are estimates from Inland Revenue's published rules for the cases the calculator covers. Check with Inland Revenue or a tax adviser before you rely on a figure.
Sources
- KiwiSaver changes (3.5% default from 1 April 2026) (Inland Revenue (IRD))
- Payroll calculations and business rules specification, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Inland Revenue (IRD))
- Getting the KiwiSaver government contribution (Inland Revenue (IRD))
- IR340 Weekly and fortnightly PAYE deduction tables (April 2026) (Inland Revenue (IRD))
Estimates, not tax or legal advice. Results come from the published rules for the cases this calculator covers in 2026–27; your own circumstances can change them. Check with the official source: IRD KiwiSaver information.
Last checked 2026-11-05 by the TakeHomeWorld editors · How we calculate and check rates · Runs entirely in your browser; nothing you type is stored.