How much super should I have is a common question. Knowing how much super you need to retire – and how your balance compares to others your age – can help you plan for retirement.
When it comes to how much super you’ll need for retirement there’s no single right number - because everyone’s retirement looks different. It depends what your big costs are likely to be, and what sort of lifestyle you want.
How much will you spend in retirement?
While there’s no one answer, there are two good sources of estimates you can use, to help you work it out:
- The Association of Super Funds of Australia (ASFA) publishes a Retirement Standard, updated quarterly. It estimates how much you might spend in retirement, based on either a comfortable or a modest standard of living.
- Super Consumers Australia estimate low, medium and high levels of spending in retirement, based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data on retiree spending.
Both ASFA and Super Consumers Australia also estimate the amount you should be aiming to have in your super account (or saved somewhere else) when you retire, to support your retirement spending.
What is a ‘comfortable’ retirement?
A comfortable retirement, according to ASFA, is about more than covering the basics. It means you enjoy a good standard of living and have money for:
- annual domestic trips and one overseas trip every seven years
- regular hobbies and social outings
- occasional restaurant and takeaway meals
- top level private health cover and unexpected medical costs beyond what Medicare covers
- a reliable car, petrol and maintenance
- home maintenance and appliance updates
- utilities like power, water, gas and council rates
- internet, phone, computer, and streaming services.
How much super should you have at retirement?
ASFA suggests what your super balance should be at age 67 for either a modest or comfortable retirement. It takes into account age pension, where applicable, and assumes you own your home outright unless noted.
| Estimate | Savings at age 67 (single person) |
| Comfortable retirement | $595,000 |
| Modest retirement | $100,000 |
| Modest retirement if renting | $340,000 |
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Source: ASFA’s Retirement Standard, accessed October 2025. You can read all the calculation assumptions on ASFA’s website. |
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Super Consumers Australia estimates your savings target at age 65. It takes into account the age pension, where applicable, and assumes you own your home outright.
| Estimate | Savings at age 65 (single person) |
| Low spending | $75,000 |
| Medium spending | $310,000 |
| High spending | $876,000 |
| Source: Super Consumers Australia, accessed October 2025. You can read all the calculation assumptions on the SCA website. | |
It’s important to say that these amounts are guides, not strict targets, as everyone’s situation is different.
How much Australians have in super
How do real superannuation balances compare to the estimates above? The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) tracks average super balances across age groups.
| Age group (years) | Average balance |
| 30–34 | $50,400 |
| 35–39 | $80,900 |
| 40–44 | $112,500 |
| 45–49 | $144,400 |
| 50–54 | $181,400 |
| 55–59 | $223,900 |
| 60–64 | $252,700 |
| Source: APRA Quarterly Superannuation Statistics, June 2025 | |
These are averages only. Some people will have more, others less. What matters is how you use this information to decide your next steps.
Try the Moneysmart retirement planner
You can use the Moneysmart retirement planner to estimate:
- how much money you'll have to spend each year once you retire
- how fees, investment options and contributions will affect your retirement income
You can also use the planner to test out different scenarios and work out how to grow your super.
Estimate how much super you'll have when you retire.
Five easy ways to look after your super
Small things you do now can make a big difference to your super balance later.
- Find your lost super
There’s over $17 billion in lost and unclaimed super in Australia. A quick check could uncover money that belongs to you. - Check your super account basics
Make sure your contributions, fees, insurance and details are correct. A quick review can keep your super on track. - Consider bringing your super accounts together
Having more than one account can mean paying more than one set of fees. Combining them could save money and make your super easier to manage. - Review your super investment options
Your fund offers different investment choices. Check if your current choice still matches your goals and how much risk you’re comfortable with. - Think about adding extra to your super
Adding a little more can grow your balance faster – and may even lower your tax.
Throughout your working life, check your super at least annually. Check your fund has the correct personal details and tax file number (TFN). Review your employer's contributions, and your account fees, investment options and insurance. If you’re not satisfied or don’t understand any details about your fund, call them and ask questions.
If you need financial advice
Planning for your retirement is complex, and everyone's situation is different. Think about getting personalised advice from a financial adviser to help you plan ahead. Many super funds also provide this service.