About Pension Checker UK

Pension Checker UK is a free estimation tool that helps you understand what your pension pot might be worth at retirement. We built it because most pension calculators require sign-ups, push you toward a specific provider, or bury assumptions. Ours shows you the maths openly.

How we calculate

Our estimates use compound growth modelling with annual contributions. We assume a default growth rate of 5% per year after charges (you can adjust this). This aligns with the FCA's intermediate projection rate for pension illustrations. We don't factor in inflation separately, so our figures are in nominal terms.

For annuity estimates, we use published rates from the Sharing Pensions annuity index, updated monthly. For drawdown projections, we model a 4% annual withdrawal rate, which is the widely-cited "safe withdrawal rate" from the Trinity Study (adjusted for UK longevity data).

Our sources

  • State pension rates: gov.uk (DWP published rates for 2026/27)
  • Auto-enrolment thresholds: The Pensions Regulator
  • Retirement living standards: PLSA (Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association)
  • Average pot sizes: Pensions Policy Institute, FCA Retirement Income Data
  • Annuity rates: Sharing Pensions annuity rate index

Limitations

We can't predict investment returns. A 5% growth assumption is reasonable over 20+ years based on historical equity returns, but your actual returns depend on your fund choice, market conditions, and charges. We also don't account for your specific tax position, defined benefit pension entitlements, or the impact of inflation on purchasing power.

This tool gives you a starting point for planning. It's not a replacement for regulated financial advice, especially if you have a complex situation (multiple pensions, defined benefit transfers, lifetime allowance concerns).

Who runs this site

Pension Checker UK is operated by Quicksolve Digital Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (Company No. 17385486). We build free financial calculator tools for UK consumers.

Contact

For corrections, data queries, or partnership enquiries: hello@pensionchecker.uk