Free Calculator

Investment Growth Calculator

A regular taxable brokerage account grows the same way a TFSA does — the difference only shows up when you actually sell. This shows what that difference is really worth.

Starting balance

Contribution amount, per period

Contribution frequency

Annual growth rate, %

Years

Your marginal tax rate, %

When each contribution is made

Taxable account vs. the same growth in a TFSA

Same contributions, same growth rate. The only difference: what the taxman takes when you actually sell.

Why this uses capital gains tax, not full income tax: in Canada, only 50% of a capital gain is added to your taxable income — the other half is never taxed at all. This calculator applies that 50% inclusion rate at your marginal rate, only on the growth portion, not your original contributions, since you already paid tax on that money before it went in.

When a taxable account is still the right call

Once TFSA and RRSP room are both used up, a taxable account is often the only place left to keep saving — and that's a genuinely fine outcome, not a consolation prize. The comparison above isn't an argument against taxable investing; it's what the real cost of not having shelter left looks like, so it's not a surprise later.

Want your real contribution room tracked automatically, so you know exactly when this applies to you?

Try the full tool →

Not sure which account to prioritize first? TFSA or RRSP — a real answer →