The formula. The base CPP contribution is 5.95% of pensionable earnings between the $3,500 basic exemption and the $74,600 year's maximum pensionable earnings. CPP2 is 4% of earnings between $74,600 and the $85,000 year's additional maximum pensionable earnings. For example, at $60,000 of earnings the base contribution is 5.95% of $56,500, which is $3,361.75, and there is no CPP2 because earnings are below $74,600. At $100,000 of earnings the base contribution is 5.95% of $71,100, which is $4,230.45, and CPP2 is 4% of $10,400, which is $416.00.
The published figures. The Agency's CPP contribution rates, maximums and exemptions table lists, for 2026, maximum annual pensionable earnings of $74,600, a basic exemption of $3,500, maximum contributory earnings of $71,100, an employee and employer contribution rate of 5.95%, a maximum annual employee and employer contribution of $4,230.45, and a maximum annual self-employed contribution of $8,460.90. The Agency's CPP2 contribution rates and maximums table lists, for 2026, an additional maximum pensionable earnings of $85,000, an employee and employer CPP2 rate of 4%, a maximum annual employee and employer CPP2 contribution of $416, and a maximum annual self-employed CPP2 contribution of $832.
Self-employed. A self-employed person pays both halves: 11.90% on earnings between $3,500 and $74,600, up to $8,460.90, and 8% CPP2 on earnings between $74,600 and $85,000, up to $832. At $100,000 of earnings that is $8,460.90 plus $832, which is $9,292.90 for the year.
Why the first $3,500 is exempt. The year's basic exemption is the amount on which CPP contributions are not required. Earnings at or below $3,500 in the year attract no CPP contribution at all. There is no basic exemption for CPP2 — it applies to the full band between the two ceilings.
Quebec is excluded. Quebec workers contribute to the Quebec Pension Plan, not the Canada Pension Plan. The QPP has its own rates, set by Retraite Québec and collected by Revenu Québec. This calculator never applies CPP rates to Quebec earnings, and it prints no QPP figure.
2027 figures are pending. The Agency's CPP and CPP2 tables had no 2027 row when this page was built on November 8, 2026, so this calculator uses the verified 2026 figures and labels them with their year. Recheck the Agency's CPP contribution rates, maximums and exemptions page before using this calculator for 2027 pay.
What this calculator leaves out. QPP contributions for Quebec workers; the fact that the maximum applies separately with each employer; earnings that are not pensionable, which the Agency's pensionable-earnings rules decide; CPP contributions on self-employment income reported on a tax return rather than through payroll; and any overpayment refund, which the Agency settles when you file your return.
Sources: Canada Revenue Agency, CPP contribution rates, maximums and exemptions (the 2026 maximum pensionable earnings of $74,600, basic exemption of $3,500, rate of 5.95%, maximum employee and employer contribution of $4,230.45, and maximum self-employed contribution of $8,460.90), and Canada Revenue Agency, Second additional CPP contribution rates and maximums (the 2026 additional maximum of $85,000, CPP2 rate of 4%, maximum employee and employer CPP2 contribution of $416, and maximum self-employed CPP2 contribution of $832), both opened at build time on November 8, 2026. No figure on this page comes from anywhere else.