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How to Calculate Dollar-cost Averaging

Instant growth projection

Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) invests a fixed amount on a schedule regardless of price swings. This calculator estimates accumulated value and average purchase price under a growth assumption.

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Inputs

5020000
12000
-2030
6360

Smart analysis

Recommendations

Tailored to your live inputs and result—guidance only, not professional advice.

  • Long game

    Stay invested through volatility

    Projections assume steady returns; real markets swing. A written contribution plan helps you stay the course.

Scenario studio

Compare A vs B

Capture two sets of inputs on this device, then see which outcome wins. Share either scenario with a link.

Scenario A

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Scenario B

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Scenario lab

What-if workspace

Tweak contributions, returns, or fees here without breaking the base inputs above. Compare the live scenario against your current result.

5020000
-2030
6360

Base result

Portfolio Value

$36,706.99

What-if result

Portfolio Value

$36,706.99

Pro strategic insights

  • DCA puts $30,000 to work; this path ends near $36,707—ahead of lump-sum timing luck for this growth assumption.

Next steps

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SEO & planning guide

Investing questions people search for

FIRE numbers, fee drag, DCA vs lump sum, and related planning intents — answered for clarity and search context.

Historically, investing available cash immediately has often outperformed staging entries, but DCA can be the right behavioral fit when you invest from each paycheck. Compare both approaches with matching total capital.

Plain-English guide

Terms & how it works

Confused by a field? Read the short definitions here while you use the tool.

  • Monthly Investment

    The “Monthly Investment ($)” value used in this tool’s formula. Adjust it to see results update live.

  • Starting Share Price

    The “Starting Share Price ($)” value used in this tool’s formula. Adjust it to see results update live.

  • Expected Price Growth (%/yr)

    The “Expected Price Growth (%/yr)” value used in this tool’s formula. Adjust it to see results update live.

  • Number of Months

    Length of the repayment schedule.

  • PMT

    Periodic buy

    Amount invested each period.

When to use this Dollar-Cost Averaging

Common use cases

  • Project balances with monthly contributions and compounding
  • Estimate how fees reduce long-term portfolio value
  • Compare lump-sum investing versus dollar-cost averaging

Localized examples

  • RRSP and 401(k) style contribution examples
  • Inflation-adjusted purchasing-power scenarios

What you get

  • Model contribution schedules and compounding frequency
  • Read clear primary and secondary result metrics
  • Instant calculation — nothing uploaded

How to Calculate Dollar-Cost Averaging Step-by-Step

  1. 1Enter how much you invest each month.
  2. 2Set a starting share price and expected annual price growth.
  3. 3Choose the number of months you will continue investing.
  4. 4Review total invested, estimated value, and average cost.

Governing formula

Avg cost = total invested / shares accumulated across periods

Spreads purchases over time to average entry price rather than timing a lump sum.

Example: set Monthly Investment ($) = 500, Starting Share Price ($) = 50, Expected Price Growth (%/yr) = 8, then read the result.

Variable definitions

  • PMT

    Periodic buy

    Amount invested each period.

  • Does not guarantee better returns than lump-sum investing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Historically lump-sum often wins if markets rise, but DCA can reduce regret and timing stress.

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4.8

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4 reviews

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Aisha K.

Mar 12, 2026

Clean layout and the results update instantly. Exactly what I needed for a quick planning check.

Daniel R.

Feb 28, 2026

Very usable on mobile. Would love a save/export option later, but the math feels solid.

Priya S.

Feb 3, 2026

The FAQ section answered my questions before I even had to search. Smooth dark mode too.

Marcus L.

Jan 19, 2026

Simple inputs, clear outputs. This replaced three bookmarks I used to juggle.

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