DCA Calculator
Estimate how monthly investing could grow over time with dollar-cost averaging. Enter your starting amount, monthly contribution, return assumption, fees, and time horizon.
A DCA calculator estimates how repeated monthly investments may grow under fixed return and fee assumptions.
It is an educational projection, not a prediction of actual market returns.
Use realistic contribution amounts
The monthly contribution drives the invested principal and should match a sustainable habit.
Stress-test assumptions
Try lower return, higher fee, and shorter horizon scenarios before relying on one projection.
balance = balance x (1 + monthly rate) + monthly contribution
The monthly rate is estimated from annual return minus annual fee, divided by 12. Contributions are modeled at the end of each month.
Real markets do not move at a fixed annual rate. This tool is useful for comparing contribution habits and assumptions, but it is not financial advice or an investment recommendation.
Taxes, trading costs, fund distributions, sequence of returns, and currency effects are not included.
Example
Model $500 per month for 15 years at a 7% assumed annual return to compare invested principal with estimated growth.
Assumption
The calculator uses a fixed return and fee assumption, then applies contributions at the end of each month.
Limitation
It does not model drawdowns, dividend timing, taxes, currency changes, or sequence-of-returns risk.
ETF contributions
Estimate monthly investing scenarios with annual return and expense ratio assumptions.
Savings habits
Compare how different monthly contributions change the long-term projection.
Fee comparison
See how annual fees reduce the estimated balance over time.
Planning examples
Create educational examples for goals, notes, and investment discussions.
What does DCA mean?
DCA stands for dollar-cost averaging. It means investing a fixed amount on a regular schedule instead of investing everything at once.
Does DCA guarantee profit?
No. DCA can smooth purchase timing, but it does not remove market risk or guarantee returns.
Why include annual fees?
Fees reduce the effective return over time. Even small annual fees can matter in long projections.
Can I use this for ETFs?
Yes, as a rough ETF contribution calculator if you enter an expected return and expense ratio. It does not model taxes or dividends separately.
Suggested workflow
Recurring investment path
Move from monthly investing assumptions to compound growth and housing or debt comparisons.