How do I read the CPP/QPP optimizer’s surface plot?
Where to find it: CPP/QPP-optimized TIME MACHINE results → CPP/QPP optimizer chart
Read the two horizontal axis labels first. They identify the start ages being compared: for example, your CPP/QPP age and your spouse’s, or one person’s CPP/QPP and OAS ages when those are the two ages being varied. Height represents the optimizer’s estimated legacy for that combination.
Higher areas show larger legacy amounts under the same scenario assumptions. A broad, nearly flat area means several tested age combinations produced similar results; a small difference on the surface does not establish a strong practical preference.
Use the plotted ages and selected result together with the detailed TIME MACHINE report. The calculation also applies a withdrawal strategy, so this is not simply a chart of pension payments in isolation.