DCA Calculator
Model dollar-cost averaging investment strategies. Enter your recurring investment amount, frequency, and expected return to project portfolio growth. Compare DCA vs lump sum investing with month-by-month growth tables and visual charts.
Amount per monthly period
Compares your DCA strategy against investing the same total amount ($30,000) as a lump sum on day one.
Same DCA plan ($500/monthly) under different market conditions.
| Month | Total Invested | DCA Value | Lump Sum Value | DCA Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $500 | $504 | $30,263 | +0.88% |
| 2 | $1,000 | $1,013 | $30,527 | +1.32% |
| 3 | $1,500 | $1,526 | $30,794 | +1.76% |
| 4 | $2,000 | $2,044 | $31,064 | +2.21% |
| 5 | $2,500 | $2,566 | $31,336 | +2.66% |
| 6 | $3,000 | $3,093 | $31,610 | +3.11% |
| 7 | $3,500 | $3,625 | $31,886 | +3.56% |
| 8 | $4,000 | $4,161 | $32,165 | +4.02% |
| 9 | $4,500 | $4,702 | $32,447 | +4.48% |
| 10 | $5,000 | $5,247 | $32,731 | +4.94% |
| 11 | $5,500 | $5,797 | $33,017 | +5.41% |
| 12 | $6,000 | $6,352 | $33,306 | +5.87% |
| ... 42 more months ... | ||||
| 55 | $27,500 | $35,434 | $48,441 | +28.85% |
| 56 | $28,000 | $36,248 | $48,865 | +29.46% |
| 57 | $28,500 | $37,070 | $49,293 | +30.07% |
| 58 | $29,000 | $37,898 | $49,724 | +30.68% |
| 59 | $29,500 | $38,734 | $50,159 | +31.30% |
| 60 | $30,000 | $39,578 | $50,598 | +31.93% |
How to Use DCA Calculator
- 1Enter your recurring investment amount and frequency.
- 2Set the investment duration and expected annual return.
- 3Choose a preset scenario or enter a custom return rate.
- 4Compare DCA vs lump sum results in the growth chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dollar cost averaging (DCA)?▾
Dollar cost averaging is an investment strategy where you invest a fixed amount at regular intervals (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) regardless of market conditions. This reduces the impact of volatility on your overall purchase.
Is DCA better than lump sum investing?▾
Historically, lump sum investing outperforms DCA about 2/3 of the time because markets tend to go up. However, DCA reduces risk and emotional stress, making it easier to stick with your investment plan.
What return rate should I use?▾
The S&P 500 has historically returned about 10.5% annually. Conservative portfolios (bonds) return 4-6%, balanced portfolios 7-9%, and aggressive growth portfolios 12-15%. Adjust for your risk tolerance.
About DCA Calculator
Model dollar-cost averaging investment strategies. Enter your recurring investment amount, frequency, and expected return to project portfolio growth. Compare DCA vs lump sum investing with month-by-month growth tables and visual charts.
NexTool's DCA Calculator is completely free to use with no sign-up required. Your data is processed directly in your browser and never sent to our servers, ensuring complete privacy and instant results.
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