Free tool

Pension & ISA Calculator

The same money from your pay packet, two very different homes. See what tax relief and an employer match actually add — in pounds.

You put in per month (from take-home)

Your income-tax band

Employer adds per month (pension only)

Years until you'd use it

years

Expected annual return

Pension pot

—

ISA pot

—

Paid in on your behalf

—

tax relief + employer money over the years

▬ pension (relief + employer) ▬ ISA

What's actually going on here

Pension: contributions get basic-rate tax relief at source — every £80 from your take-home becomes £100 in the pot — and an employer match is extra money that doesn't exist anywhere else. Higher-rate taxpayers can reclaim a further slice through self-assessment. The trade: it's locked away until your late 50s, and withdrawals beyond the 25% tax-free portion are taxed as income.

ISA (stocks & shares): no relief going in, but completely tax-free coming out, whenever you like. That flexibility is why many people build both: pension for the far future (especially up to any employer match — that's a 100% instant return), ISA for the nearer freedom. Allowances apply (£20,000/year ISA; pension annual allowance including employer money). Which mix suits you depends on your circumstances — this page shows the mechanics, not a recommendation.

This calculator is a general educational tool. It uses simplified assumptions, isn't personalised financial advice, and shouldn't be the only basis for a money decision — see our Disclaimer. For decisions that matter, consider speaking to a suitably qualified, regulated adviser.

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