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Annual minimum total contributions
Annual minimum total contributions: £1,900.80 (2026/27 qualifying-earnings illustration)
This models an 8% minimum contribution on qualifying earnings, with at least 3% from the employer and the remaining 5% as the gross employee share.
Annual contribution split
This models an 8% minimum contribution on qualifying earnings, with at least 3% from the employer and the remaining 5% as the gross employee share.
Result snapshot
A quick visual read of the values behind this result.
Recommended next checks
Assumes a full 2026/27 year of steady pay in an eligible defined-contribution auto-enrolment scheme using qualifying earnings. It does not determine enrolment eligibility, take-home deduction, tax relief or future pension value.
Try different values to compare results.
Enter annual earnings from one job to illustrate the minimum pension contributions under a qualifying-earnings workplace scheme. The result shows total, employer and gross employee amounts, not take-home pay or future pension income.
Annual minimum total contributions
Annual minimum total contributions: £1,900.80 (2026/27 qualifying-earnings illustration)
This models an 8% minimum contribution on qualifying earnings, with at least 3% from the employer and the remaining 5% as the gross employee share.
Annual contribution split
This models an 8% minimum contribution on qualifying earnings, with at least 3% from the employer and the remaining 5% as the gross employee share.
Result snapshot
A quick visual read of the values behind this result.
Recommended next checks
Assumes a full 2026/27 year of steady pay in an eligible defined-contribution auto-enrolment scheme using qualifying earnings. It does not determine enrolment eligibility, take-home deduction, tax relief or future pension value.
Try different values to compare results.
Table of Contents
Pension Contribution Calculator UK helps you work through the main numbers for this topic quickly with a simple input flow and an instant result.
Use the calculator result as a practical starting point, then review the explanation and assumptions on the page if you want more context.
For 2026/27, qualifying earnings are annual pay between GBP 6,240 and GBP 50,270. On GBP 30,000 pay, GBP 23,760 is in the band. At an 8% total minimum, annual contributions are GBP 1,900.80, including at least GBP 712.80 from the employer.
Formula explained
Estimate minimum annual contributions for a 2026/27 defined-contribution workplace pension that uses qualifying earnings, with employer and gross employee shares.
Formula
Qualifying earnings = max(0, min(annual pay, GBP 50,270) - GBP 6,240); total = qualifying earnings x 8%
Example
Example: GBP 30,000 annual pay gives GBP 23,760 qualifying earnings and GBP 1,900.80 total minimum annual contributions.
Assumptions
Source basis
Trust and notes
This calculator is designed to give a fast estimate using the method shown on the page. Results are most useful when your inputs are accurate and the tool matches your situation.
Use the result as guidance rather than a final diagnosis or professional decision. If the result could affect health, legal, financial, or compliance decisions, verify it with a qualified source where appropriate.
Method
Minimum workplace pension contributions
Last reviewed
October 13, 2026