# KiwiSaver contribution calculator

> What you, your employer and the government put in each year, and what it takes to get the full government contribution.

Use it in a browser at https://kiwisaverproviders.co.nz/tools/kiwisaver-contributions, or call it through the site's MCP server at https://kiwisaverproviders.co.nz/mcp.

## How this calculator works

Enter your before-tax salary and your contribution rate. The calculator will tell you how much you, your employer and the government add to your KiwiSaver each year.

Your contributions are calculated by multiplying your rate by your salary, plus any extra you add yourself. Your employer puts in 3.5% of your salary, unless you enter a different employer rate. [Employer superannuation contribution tax](https://kiwisaverproviders.co.nz/glossary/esct) (ESCT) is taken out before the money goes into your account. The ESCT rate depends on your salary and your employer's contributions, and ranges from 10.5% to 39%.

The government adds 25 cents for every dollar you put in, up to $260.72 each year. Only your own contributions count. If you earn over $180,000, you won't get a government contribution.

These numbers assume your salary stays the same all year. Your employer works out ESCT based on what you earned last year, so it might change if your pay goes up or down. Some employers include their contribution in your total pay package instead of adding it on top, so check your employment agreement.

## Common questions

### What rates can I choose?

From 1 April 2026, you can choose to contribute 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% of your pay. The default rate is 3.5%. You can apply to stay at 3% for 3 to 12 months, and renew this when the period ends.

### How do I get the full government contribution?

Put in at least $1,042.86 between 1 July and 30 June. That's about $20 a week. If you contribute at 3.5%, earning about $29,800 or more means you'll reach this amount through your pay.

### Why is my employer's contribution less than 3.5%?

ESCT is taken out first. For example, if you earn $70,000, the ESCT rate is 30%. So your employer's 3.5% contribution of $2,450 becomes $1,715 in your account.

### I'm self-employed. Can I still use this?

Yes. Set your salary to 0 and enter the amount you plan to pay in yourself as extra payments. You'll get the government contribution on these payments, but you won't get an employer contribution.