Pension calculation looks complex but follows simple logic: each work year accumulates points based on your salary versus the national average, and at retirement points × current point value gives the monthly amount.
Quick answer
Basic formula: Pension = Points accumulated × Point value. Value 1 May 2026: 89 lei. Annual point = Your gross salary / National average gross salary (capped at 5). Standard age 2026: 65 men, 62 years 6 months women. Use our pension calculator.
Formula explained
Pillar I pension is calculated per Law 263/2010 art. 95. Example: salary 7,350 lei gross monthly in 2025, national average 6,875 lei. Annual point = 88,200 / 82,500 = 1.069 points. Multiplied across career years gives total pension points.
Maria Popescu, former Ziarul Financiar journalist: "A reader, Alexandra, 47, software manager in Bucharest with 22 years service and 18,700 lei monthly gross, estimated Pillar I pension at 4,840 lei at 65, plus Pillar II contribution adding 1,140 lei. Replacement rate 50.3%. She added Pillar III at 850 lei monthly to improve to 53.9%."
Related
• Pension calculator
• Pillar II verification
Frequently asked questions
Is the pension calculator exact or estimative?
It's estimative. Your final pension depends on multiple factors: future legislative updates of the reference point value, salary changes ahead, and effective contributed years. Our calculator uses the basic formula from Law 263/2010 with reference point value of 89 lei (May 2026).
What is the pension point value and how is it updated?
The pension point value is the amount in lei you receive for each point accumulated during your career. As of 1 May 2026 it was 89 lei, indexed annually in spring based on inflation and average wage growth.
Does Pillar II count separately?
Yes. Pillar II (mandatory private) generates a supplementary pension paid from your personal accumulated account at funds managed by ASF-authorised companies. Our calculator estimates this separately.
Can I retire earlier?
Early retirement is available up to 5 years before standard age if you have full contribution period (35 years men, 30 years 8 months women as of May 2026). Penalty is 0.75% per anticipated month.
How often should I check the calculation?
For planning, every 2-3 years after age 35, annually after 50. Major salary updates or legal changes warrant additional checks. An annual ~10 minute calculation provides clarity.