DCA Calculator
Dollar Cost Averaging Calculator
Enter your investment amount, frequency, and time horizon to see how dollar cost averaging compounds your wealth over time. Adjust the expected return rate to model conservative or aggressive scenarios.
The S&P 500 has averaged ~10% annually since 1926 (before inflation).
Total contributed
$52,000
Projected value
$89,387
Investment growth
$37,387
+72% return
| Year | Contributed | Value | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,200 | $5,474 | +$274 |
| 2 | $10,400 | $11,523 | +$1,123 |
| 3 | $15,600 | $18,207 | +$2,607 |
| 4 | $20,800 | $25,594 | +$4,794 |
| 5 | $26,000 | $33,757 | +$7,757 |
| 6 | $31,200 | $42,778 | +$11,578 |
| 7 | $36,400 | $52,746 | +$16,346 |
| 8 | $41,600 | $63,762 | +$22,162 |
| 9 | $46,800 | $75,935 | +$29,135 |
| 10 | $52,000 | $89,387 | +$37,387 |
This calculator provides hypothetical projections for illustrative purposes only. Actual results will vary. Returns are not guaranteed and past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. This is not investment advice.
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DCA Calculator — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DCA calculator?
A DCA (dollar cost averaging) calculator shows how a fixed recurring investment grows over time with compound returns. You enter your investment amount, frequency, expected return rate, and time horizon to project your future portfolio value.
How does the DCA calculator work?
The calculator applies a compound growth formula to your recurring contribution. Each period, your contribution is added and the entire balance is multiplied by the periodic return rate (annual rate divided by number of periods per year). The result is your projected portfolio value at the end of the chosen time horizon.
What return rate should I use in the DCA calculator?
The S&P 500 has returned approximately 10% per year on average over the past 50+ years (before inflation). A 7% rate is commonly used to account for inflation. For conservative projections use 6%; for aggressive projections use 10–12%. Always remember past returns don't guarantee future results.
How much does $500 a month grow to in 20 years?
At a 10% average annual return, $500/month invested for 20 years grows to approximately $382,000. At 7% (inflation-adjusted), it grows to roughly $262,000. Starting earlier dramatically increases the final value due to compound growth.
Is it better to invest weekly or monthly?
Weekly investing provides more price averaging points than monthly, which can slightly reduce timing risk. However, the difference in long-term returns is minimal — what matters most is consistency and starting early. Choose whichever frequency aligns with your paycheck schedule.