- Enter your starting capital and monthly contribution.
- Choose a number of years and an assumed annual return. The starting values are an example.
- Compare the final value with total contributions. Change one input at a time to see its effect.
- For actual Bitcoin or crypto prices, use the historical DCA backtest.
DCA calculator: dollar-cost averaging
Model regular monthly investments with a starting balance and an annual return you choose. See how much you contribute and how the assumed growth changes the result. Free, without registration.
Starting values are an example. Replace them with your own.
Amount currency, without conversion
Final value$8,057.66
Contributions$7,000.00
Gain before tax$1,057.66
Method and limitations
Contributions arrive at the end of each month. Annual return is converted to an effective monthly rate. The initial capital compounds for the full term. These are assumptions, not historical or promised returns.
How to use this calculator
How the calculation works
Contributions arrive at the end of each month. Starting capital compounds for the full period. For annual return R in percent, the effective monthly rate is r = (1 + R / 100)^(1 / 12) − 1. With P as starting capital, C as the monthly contribution and n as the number of months: FV = P × (1 + r)^n + C × ((1 + r)^n − 1) / r. At a zero return, FV = P + C × n.
The return is an input, not a forecast. Fees, taxes, inflation, exchange rates and market price changes are not included. Changing the currency changes the accounting unit without converting amounts.
Dollar-cost averaging: what the calculation means
DCA means investing a fixed amount at regular intervals. When the asset price changes, the same contribution buys a different number of units. The calculator above models contributions under a constant return assumption; it does not replay market prices.
For a simple check, set starting capital to 0, monthly contributions to 100, the period to 1 year and the return to 0%. Total invested and final value are both 1,200. Any gain in another scenario comes from the return you entered.
DCA calculator or historical backtest?
Use this page to explore a monthly contribution plan. Use the Bitcoin and crypto DCA backtest to replay available historical prices and compare regular purchases with a lump sum. To check whether a contribution fits around payday and expenses, use the cash flow stress test.
Investor.gov explains dollar-cost averaging. Our calculation methodology describes the model limits.
Frequently asked questions
What is a DCA calculator?
It models recurring investment contributions. This calculator uses monthly payments and a constant annual return that you enter. It separates total contributed capital from the gain or loss implied by that assumption.
Does the assumed annual return predict what I will earn?
No. The return is your scenario input. A positive result is not a guarantee, and a constant-return model does not show the volatility or drawdowns of a real asset.
Can I backtest Bitcoin or Ethereum DCA?
Yes, in the separate historical DCA backtest. It uses available crypto prices in USD. This page uses an assumed return instead of historical prices.
Can I compare daily, weekly and monthly purchases?
The projection above uses end-of-month contributions. The historical backtest offers daily, weekly, every-two-weeks and monthly purchase schedules. Keep the total budget in mind when changing frequency.
How can I compare DCA with a lump sum?
Use the historical backtest. Its chart compares DCA plus unspent cash with investing the same total budget at the start. That comparison assumes the full budget is already available, which differs from investing future salary as it arrives.
Are fees, taxes and inflation included?
No. They are excluded from this calculator. The displayed currency is an accounting unit; choosing another one does not convert amounts at an exchange rate.