RESP Calculator 2026 | CESG Enhanced Grant Estimator
Free Canada RESP Calculator 2026. Project RESP savings growth, estimate CESG government grants (20-40% matching), and plan education savings for Canadian children.
Updated for 2026
Child Information
Current RESP Details
Contributions
Government Grants
Growth Assumptions
Education Cost Planning
✓ Last updated: March 2026 | Built with CRA-official rates, Bank of Canada data, and OSFI guidelines
How to Use This Calculator
Provide your child's current age and expected years until post-secondary education.
Enter your current RESP balance and planned contributions.
Estimate CESG and provincial education grants available to your family.
Select a realistic long-term annual return assumption.
See future RESP value, grant amounts and estimated education cost coverage.
Understanding Your Results
- Projected RESP ValueThe estimated RESP account balance available when your child starts post-secondary education.
- CESG GrantsGovernment contributions added to your RESP through the Canada Education Savings Grant program.
- Investment GrowthTax-sheltered earnings generated by RESP investments over time.
- Education CoveragePercentage of estimated education expenses that can be funded through the RESP.
- Total ContributionsThe amount contributed by parents, guardians or family members.
Key Tips
- ✓Contributing $2,500 annually maximizes the standard CESG grant each year.
- ✓Starting RESP contributions early allows more years of tax-sheltered compounding.
- ✓Unused CESG room may be carried forward and recovered in future years.
- ✓Some provinces offer additional education savings incentives beyond CESG.
- ✓RESP withdrawals are generally taxed in the student's hands, often at a lower tax rate.
Related Calculators
Understanding RESP & CESG Grants
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a tax-sheltered account to save for post-secondary education. Contributions are NOT tax-deductible but investment income grows tax-free. Withdrawals for education are taxed in student's hand (usually lower rate). Annual contribution limit: $2,500/child/year (no lifetime limit).
Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) automatically matches RESP contributions: 20% basic grant ($500 per $2,500 contributed), up to 40% grant on first $2,500/year for low-income families (up to $1,000). Free money from government. Example: Contribute $2,500 = $500 CESG grant automatically (20%). Total = $3,000 in account.
RESP grows tax-free. When used for education, withdrawals taxed in student's hand (usually lowest rate). If student doesn't attend post-secondary, can transfer funds to RRSP (via lifelong learning plan) or withdraw (original contributions tax-free, grants/growth taxed).
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions to help you use this calculator confidently.
What's the CESG matching limit?
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What's the CESG matching limit?
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20% grant on first $2,500/year = $500. Up to 40% for low-income families. Lifetime max $7,200 per child.
Can I withdraw anytime?
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Can I withdraw anytime?
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Original contributions anytime tax-free. Growth/CESG taxed in student's hand when withdrawn for education.
What if my child gets a scholarship?
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What if my child gets a scholarship?
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EAP (Educational Assistance Payment) can be reduced, and excess can be transferred to RRSP or withdrawn with taxes paid by beneficiary.
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