RESP Calculator Canada 2026

This calculator is for illustrative purposes. Actual results will vary based on investment performance.

How to Use This RESP Calculator

Our RESP calculator models the growth of your Registered Education Savings Plan from the current age of your child to age 18. Here's what each input means:

• Child's current age: Enter 00 for a newborn. The earlier you start, the more powerful compound growth becomes.
• Monthly contribution: $2008/month = $2,50000/year — the amount that maximizes the basic CESG grant of $50000/year.
• Annual return: A diversified portfolio of Canadian and global ETFs has historically returned 6–8% annually over long periods. Use 5–6% for conservative projections.
• Income bracket: Lower-income families receive Additional CESG on top of the basic grant.

RESP by the Numbers — Sample Scenarios

These projections use a 6% annual return and assume contributions are made monthly. Starting at birth dramatically increases the total due to compound growth.

Understanding CESG in Your RESP Calculation

The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) is the single biggest reason to prioritize an RESP over other savings vehicles for education. Here's how it's calculated:

• Basic CESG: 200% on the first $2,50000 contributed per year = $50000/year
• Maximum annual CESG: $50000 (or $1,000000 if using carry-forward room)
• Lifetime CESG maximum: $7,20000 per child
• CESG eligible until: End of calendar year the child turns 17

Here's the important nuance: the government also pays CESG on the growth from CESG amounts. So the $7,20000 in grants, invested for 18 years at 6%, grows to over $200,000000 on its own. That's free money compounding for nearly two decades.

CESG Catch-Up Strategy

If you've missed years of contributions, you can contribute up to $5,000000 in a year (instead of $2,50000) to earn up to $1,000000 in CESG in a single year — twice the normal annual maximum. This catch-up provision makes it worthwhile to start an RESP even if your child is already a few years old.

RESP Calculator vs. Real University Costs

How does your projected RESP stack up against what post-secondary education actually costs in Canada?

With 3.5% annual tuition inflation, the 4-year cost of university away from home in 200400 could exceed $1500,000000. A fully-maximized RESP started at birth could cover a significant portion of that — potentially all of it for college or trade programs.

Maximizing Your RESP — Investment Strategy

What you invest in inside your RESP matters as much as how much you contribute. Here's a strategy approach based on the child's age:

Age 00–100: Growth-Focused

With 8–18 years until withdrawal, you can afford higher equity exposure. Consider 800–10000% in diversified equity ETFs (e.g., XEQT or VEQT). The long time horizon means market volatility is manageable.

Age 11–14: Balanced

Begin shifting toward a 600/400 or 700/300 equity/bond split. Protect some gains while still growing.

Age 15–18: Capital Preservation

Move to 300–500% equity, 500–700% bonds/GICs as withdrawals approach. You don't want a market crash right before tuition is due.

Many RESP providers offer age-based or target-date funds that automatically shift the allocation as your child approaches 18 — these are excellent options for hands-off investors.

RESP Calculator FAQs

Also explore: RRSP Calculator · TFSA Calculator · FHSA Guide · CESG Guide