RESP Calculator 2026 — CESG Grant & Education Savings Projection

Q: How much is the CESG grant in 2026?

The Basic Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) is 20% of your RESP contributions, up to $500 per child per year (or $1,000 if you have unused grant room carried forward). The lifetime maximum is $7,200 per child. Contributing $2,500 per year captures the full $500 annual grant.

Last updated: June 2026

TL;DR — The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) adds 20% on RESP contributions — up to $500/year ($1,000 with carry-forward) and $7,200 lifetime per child. RESP lifetime contribution limit: $50,000 per beneficiary.

A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) earns you a 20% government grant (the CESG) on your contributions — up to $7,200 per child. This calculator estimates the grants you will receive and projects your child's RESP value at age 18. Informational tool — not personalized tax advice.

RESP & CESG Calculator

Child's current age (years) Current RESP balance ($) CESG grant already received ($) Planned annual contribution ($) Average annual return (%)

How the CESG grant works

The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) is the reason an RESP beats a regular savings account for education. The government adds 20% on top of every dollar you contribute, automatically deposited into the RESP:

Basic CESG: 20% of contributions, up to $500 per child per year
Carry-forward: unused grant room accumulates ($500/year from birth) — you can claim up to $1,000 of CESG in a single year (on $5,000 of contributions)
Lifetime cap: $7,200 of CESG per child
RESP contribution limit: no annual cap, but a $50,000 lifetime limit per beneficiary (a 1%/month penalty applies above it)

To collect the full $7,200 grant, contribute $2,500 every year for about 14.4 years, or use carry-forward to catch up faster at $5,000/year.

How much should you contribute?

Annual contribution	Basic CESG / year	Notes
$1,500	$300	Below the grant-maximizing amount
$2,500	$500	Maximizes the annual Basic CESG
$5,000	$1,000	Only if you have unused carry-forward room

Start early. Grant room accrues from birth, but contributions for a child who is 16 or 17 must meet special rules to keep CESG eligibility. The earlier you start, the more tax-free compounding works in your favour.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the CESG grant in 2026?

The Basic CESG is 20% of your RESP contributions, up to $500 per child per year (or $1,000 if you have unused grant room carried forward). The lifetime maximum is $7,200 per child. Contributing $2,500 per year captures the full $500 annual grant.

What is the RESP contribution limit?

There is no annual RESP contribution limit, but there is a lifetime limit of $50,000 per beneficiary across all RESPs. Over-contributing triggers a 1% per month penalty on the excess until withdrawn.

How much should I contribute to maximize the CESG?

Contribute $2,500 per year to receive the full $500 Basic CESG. If you have unused grant room from previous years, contributing up to $5,000 in a year can earn up to $1,000 in CESG (the annual maximum).

Until what age can a child receive the CESG?

The CESG is available until the end of the calendar year in which the child turns 17. Special contribution rules apply for beneficiaries who are 16 or 17, so it is best to start early.

What is the Canada Learning Bond (CLB)?

The Canada Learning Bond provides up to $2,000 per eligible child from modest-income families, with no personal contribution required. It is separate from the CESG and does not affect your contribution room.

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Sources

Government of Canada — Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG): www.canada.ca
TaxTips.ca — RESP and CESG reference: www.taxtips.ca

Figures reflect 2026 CESG/RESP rules; verify with the source before contributing. This page provides general information only and does not constitute financial or tax advice.