Estate net worth calculator
The foundation of every estate plan is knowing what's in it. This calculator sums your assets and subtracts liabilities, and flags the registered accounts that get taxed at death.
Figures shown are approximate, calculated from current publicly-available statutes and standard formulas. Final amounts depend on your specific circumstances — assets in your name versus jointly held, beneficiary designations, debts, province-specific exemptions, and applicable tax credits. For numbers you can act on, a Canadian accountant or licenced estate planner can verify against your actual situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why calculate my estate's net worth?
Your estate's net worth is the foundation of every other estate-planning decision. It drives probate fee exposure, capital gains tax planning, life insurance needs, charitable bequest sizing, and whether complex strategies (estate freeze, alter-ego trust, multiple wills) are worth the cost. A clear number once a year makes the rest of the plan easier to size.
What's the difference between net worth and probate value?
Net worth is the sum of all assets minus liabilities. Probate value is generally the gross value of assets passing under the will (no liability deduction in most provinces; Ontario uniquely allows mortgage deduction on real estate). Assets with named beneficiaries (RRSPs, TFSAs, life insurance, joint property) are usually outside the probate value but still count in net worth.
Should I include life insurance face value?
Yes for net worth purposes — life insurance is part of your overall financial picture. For probate-fee purposes specifically, life insurance with a NAMED beneficiary flows outside the estate and isn't included in the probate value. Where the estate is named as beneficiary (rare and usually unintentional), the proceeds do hit the probate value.
How often should I update this?
Annually at minimum, plus after any major life event (marriage, divorce, birth/adoption, property purchase or sale, business sale, major investment change). Major estate plans are sized for a specific net worth range; significant movement either way may justify revisiting the plan.
Do I need to include my spouse's assets?
Depends on the purpose. For your individual estate planning, no — your spouse's assets pass under their will, not yours. For couples planning jointly (combined estate strategies, life insurance coordination, joint trusts), yes — but track them separately and add them up rather than commingling.
What counts as 'personal property'?
Household goods, jewellery, art, collectibles, electronics, recreational equipment. For most estates this is roughly $20K-$50K. For estates with significant art collections, classic cars, or other high-value personal property, get appraisals — the value can materially shift the probate base.