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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.
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Enter annual pay from one job to illustrate minimum contributions in a workplace scheme that uses qualifying earnings. The result is an annual contribution estimate, not a future pension value or net payslip deduction.
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
The 8% total comprises at least 3% from the employer and a 5% gross employee share in this example. Your payslip deduction depends on your scheme's tax-relief arrangement.
For 2026/27, qualifying earnings are the part of annual pay between GBP 6,240 and GBP 50,270. A qualifying defined-contribution scheme must meet an 8% total minimum, including at least 3% from the employer. On GBP 30,000 pay, qualifying earnings are GBP 23,760, total minimum contributions are GBP 1,900.80, employer minimum is GBP 712.80 and gross employee share is GBP 1,188. How tax relief appears depends on the pension arrangement.
Formula explained
Estimate minimum annual workplace pension contributions for a qualifying-earnings defined-contribution scheme in 2026/27. This is not a pension-pot forecast or take-home pay calculation.
Formula
Qualifying earnings = max(0, min(annual pay, GBP 50,270) - GBP 6,240); total = qualifying earnings x 8%
Example
Example: GBP 30,000 earnings means 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