Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this calculator accurate?

This calculator is designed to be accurate and uses official CPF Board contribution and allocation rates for 2026. However, CPF rules are complex and individual circumstances vary. The calculator provides estimates based on standard scenarios. Always verify your actual CPF deductions with your payslip and the official CPF Board website for your specific situation.

Q: Does this calculator store my data?

No. All calculations happen in your browser. No salary or personal information is sent to any server or stored anywhere. Your data stays 100% private.

Q: What's the difference between Ordinary Wages and Additional Wages?

Ordinary Wages (OW) are regular monthly salaries, capped at $6,800/month. Anything above $6,800 is not subject to CPF contributions for that month.

Additional Wages (AW) include bonuses, 13th month pay (AWS), and other irregular payments. These are capped at an annual ceiling of $102,000 (total OW + AW combined).

Q: I'm a Permanent Resident (PR). Do different rates apply?

Yes. New PRs have graduated rates:

• 1st year: Employee 5% + Employer 4% = 9% total
• 2nd year: Employee 15% + Employer 8% = 23% total
• 3rd year onwards: Full citizen rates apply (20% + 17% = 37% for age ≤55)

Our calculator supports all three PR stages. Select your status at the top of the calculator.

Q: Why do contribution rates change with age?

CPF contribution rates decrease as you get older to give you more take-home pay in your later working years. The age brackets are:

• 55 and below: 37% total (20% employee + 17% employer)
• Above 55 to 60: 30% total
• Above 60 to 65: 21% total
• Above 65 to 70: 16% total
• Above 70: 14.5% total

See the Rates page for full details including account allocation percentages.

Q: What are OA, SA, MA, and RA accounts?

CPF contributions are split into different accounts based on age:

• Ordinary Account (OA): Housing, investments, education — earns 2.5% interest p.a.
• Special Account (SA): Retirement savings — earns 4% interest p.a.
• MediSave Account (MA): Healthcare expenses, insurance — earns 4% interest p.a.
• Retirement Account (RA): Created at age 55 by combining OA and SA up to the Full Retirement Sum (FRS) — earns 4% interest p.a.

The allocation percentages change with age. See the calculator's definition section or Rates page for details.

Q: What is the Annual Ceiling of $102,000?

The $102,000 annual ceiling is the maximum combined Ordinary Wages + Additional Wages subject to CPF contributions in a calendar year. Once you hit this cap, no further CPF contributions are made for the rest of the year.

Example: If your monthly OW is $6,800 (max), that's $81,600/year. You can still contribute CPF on up to $20,400 in bonuses ($102,000 - $81,600). Any bonus above that is not subject to CPF.

Q: How accurate is the interest projection?

Interest estimates are approximate and assume:

• Interest is calculated on the year-end CPF balance only (in reality it's monthly on your actual balance)
• Base interest rates: OA 2.5%, SA/MA/RA 4%
• Extra interest on the first $20K (OA), $40K (SA), and $30K (RA for 55+) is not included in these projections

Your actual interest will vary based on your opening balance, monthly contributions, and withdrawals.

Q: Can I use this for self-employed or voluntary contributions?

No. This calculator is designed for employed individuals with regular salaries. Self-employed persons have different CPF contribution rules (Medisave-only contributions at lower rates). Visit cpf.gov.sg/self-employed for guidance.

Q: What if my salary changes during the year?

The calculator uses your current monthly salary to project annual contributions. If your salary changes mid-year, you'll need to adjust the input or calculate each period separately. The annual ceiling ($102,000) still applies to your total earnings for the calendar year.

Q: Are CPF contributions tax-deductible?

No. Mandatory CPF contributions made by your employer and employee contributions deducted from your salary are not tax-deductible. However, voluntary contributions to your own or your family's CPF accounts may qualify for tax relief subject to caps. Consult IRAS or a tax professional for details.

Q: Where can I verify official CPF rates?

Always refer to the official CPF Board website:

• CPF Board Homepage
• Contribution & Allocation Rates
• CPF Interest Rates
• Retirement Sums (BRS/FRS/ERS)

Q: I found a mistake or have a suggestion. How can I contact you?

Please use our Contact page to report errors, suggest improvements, or ask questions. We'll do our best to respond and keep the calculator accurate and up-to-date.