Dollar-Cost Averaging Calculator
Estimate how recurring investments may grow over time and see how much of the ending value comes from contributions versus estimated investment growth.
Set your recurring investment
Advanced settings
Worked example
Compare contribution frequency and investment growth
At a 0% return, $500 per month for 10 years contributes $60,000. At an assumed 6% effective annual return with month-end contributions, the same schedule reaches approximately $81,237 before fees and taxes. To compare equal annual budgets, use $6,000 yearly, $500 monthly or about $115.38 weekly; using $500 for every frequency changes the amount invested as well as the timing.
Continue with the related guides
Frequently asked questions
What does the DCA calculator estimate?
It combines an initial balance, recurring contributions and your return assumption to project ending value. Contributions and modeled growth are shown separately; the assumed return is not a forecast.
Is investing weekly always better than monthly?
No. Compare the same annual contribution budget first. With a positive constant return, earlier contributions have more time to compound, but actual prices, costs and returns vary.
How does dollar-cost averaging compare with a lump sum?
A lump sum puts available cash to work immediately. Recurring purchases spread entry dates. Compare equal total contributions and realistic cash availability; neither approach guarantees a better result.
How to use
From inputs to a result you can review
- Enter an initial investment and recurring contribution.
- Choose the schedule, time horizon, return assumption, and contribution timing.
- Optionally add fees, contribution increases, and inflation.
- Calculate, then review the formula, scenarios, and annual breakdown.
Known limitations
What this calculation does not know
- Returns are assumptions and do not predict market performance.
- The model applies one steady annual return; real returns vary by period.
- Taxes, bid–ask spreads, and contribution interruptions are excluded.
- Currency changes formatting only; no exchange-rate conversion occurs.
Educational calculation only. This is not personalized investment, trading, or tax advice.
Read the guide
How much should I invest monthly to reach a goal?
Read the guide to recurring contributions, effective rates, fees, inflation, and waiting.
Read the guide →Method version 1.0
Calculation logic reviewed against the published methodology and automated test cases. Last updated August 5, 2026.