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Super Comparison Calculator

Compare super strategies and fund types side by side. See how salary sacrifice, after-tax contributions, and your fund choice affect your retirement balance. Every rate is editable — FY2026-27 figures (last updated June 2026).

Last verified: 5 May 2026

Reviewed by the Savings Mate editorial team — figures fact-checked against the ATO, Services Australia and ASIC MoneySmart.

Should I salary sacrifice or pick a different super fund?

Two levers drive super outcomes: contributions and fees/returns. Concessional contributions (SG + salary sacrifice + deductible personal) are taxed at 15% inside super vs your marginal rate outside — a big win above 30%. The 2026-27 concessional cap is $32,500; non-concessional cap $130,000. On the fund side, APRA data shows industry funds' balanced option has returned ~8.2% p.a. over 10 years vs retail ~7.0%, with fees ~0.60% vs ~1.10%. Source: APRA MySuper Heatmap; ATO.

Worked example. Age 35, $120,000 salary, $70,000 current super balance. Salary-sacrifice $10,000/yr (37% MTR → $2,200 tax saving/yr). 1% fee vs 0.6% fee on an average $300k balance over 30 years = ~$1,200/yr fee drag — a 0.4% gap compounds to $100k+ difference at retirement. At 8.2% net return, adding $10k/yr from 35 to 60 grows to ~$830,000 in contributions + growth — often more impact than picking the "best" fund each year. Combine both: cheap index-heavy fund + maxed concessional cap.
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Current SG rate is 12% from 1 July 2025.

Extra contribution strategy

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Concessional — taxed at 15% in super. Cap: $30,000.00/yr total (incl SG).

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Non-concessional — no extra tax in super. May trigger govt co-contribution.

Fund type & fees

Adjusts expected return and fees relative to fund type.

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Gross return before investment fees.

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

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