How much super do I need for a comfortable retirement?

According to the ASFA Retirement Standard (2025-26), a single person needs around $690,000 in super at retirement for a comfortable lifestyle, while a couple needs around $690,000 (shared). A comfortable retirement means being able to afford a good standard of living, including domestic travel, leisure activities, and private health insurance. A modest retirement (covering basic needs) requires about $100,000 for a single person or couple. These figures assume you own your home outright at retirement.

At what age can I access my super?

Your preservation age depends on when you were born. For anyone born after 30 June 1964, the preservation age is 60. Once you reach preservation age and retire (or turn 65 regardless of work status), you can access your super. You can also access super earlier under limited circumstances, such as severe financial hardship, terminal illness, or permanent incapacity. The Age Pension eligibility age is currently 67.

How much super should I have at 30, 40, and 50?

As a rough guide based on the ASFA Retirement Standard, aim for: age 30 — around $60,000-$80,000; age 40 — around $150,000-$200,000; age 50 — around $350,000-$450,000. These benchmarks assume you've been working full-time since your early 20s with employer SG contributions. If you're behind, don't panic — increasing voluntary contributions, even by a small amount each month, can significantly boost your retirement balance thanks to compound returns over time.

Retirement Calculator

Will your super be enough? Enter your age, salary, and super balance to see your projected retirement fund and whether you're on track for a comfortable retirement.

Last verified: 1 July 2025

How much super do I need to retire in Australia?

The ASFA Retirement Standard benchmark for a comfortable retirement (own home, private health cover, domestic travel) is roughly $595,000 for a single and $690,000 for a couple at age 67. A modest retirement needs about $100,000. Preservation age is 60 for anyone born after 30 June 1964; Age Pension age is 67. Source: ASFA Retirement Standard, Australian Taxation Office.

Benchmarks by age (ASFA guidance). Age 30: $60-80k. Age 40: $150-200k. Age 50: $350-450k. Age 60: $550-650k. Worked example: age 35 on $90,000 salary with $60,000 current balance + 12% SG, 6.5% return net of fees, 2.5% inflation → ~$850,000 at age 67 in today's dollars. Salary-sacrificing $10k/year on top adds ~$300,000 to the projection.

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.

From the Mate Network

Age Pension Calculator →

Approaching retirement? See how much Age Pension you could receive on top of your super.

Check Your Employer Super Contributions →

Make sure your employer is paying the correct 12% super on your salary.

Retirement Calculator

How much super do I need to retire in Australia?

Related reading

Related Tools

From the Mate Network