DCA Calculator for Monthly or Weekly Investing
Estimate how monthly or weekly investing could grow over time with dollar-cost averaging. Compare lump sum vs DCA, model fee impact, review the chart, and download the year-by-year projection as CSV.
Try a common DCA plan
Estimated balance
$53,479
Total invested
$37,000
Estimated growth
$16,479
DCA balance
$53,479
Lump sum balance
$73,257
Difference vs lump sum
-$19,778
Fee impact
Estimated difference between this fee setting and a no-fee version of the same contribution plan.
$456
Based on monthly contributions, about $3,600 invested per year.
| Year | Invested | Estimated growth | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,600 | $186 | $4,786 |
| 2 | $8,200 | $639 | $8,839 |
| 3 | $11,800 | $1,380 | $13,180 |
| 4 | $15,400 | $2,426 | $17,826 |
| 5 | $19,000 | $3,802 | $22,802 |
| 6 | $22,600 | $5,529 | $28,129 |
| 7 | $26,200 | $7,633 | $33,833 |
| 8 | $29,800 | $10,139 | $39,939 |
| 9 | $33,400 | $13,078 | $46,478 |
| 10 | $37,000 | $16,479 | $53,479 |
A DCA calculator estimates how repeated monthly or weekly 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 recurring 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 + period rate) + recurring contribution
The period rate is estimated from annual return minus annual fee, divided by the selected contribution frequency. Contributions are modeled at the end of each period.
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, an investment recommendation, or a personalized portfolio suggestion.
Taxes, trading costs, fund distributions, sequence of returns, and currency effects are not included.
Example
Model $500 per month or $125 per week for 15 years at a fixed assumed return to compare invested principal, estimated growth, and fee drag.
Assumption
The calculator uses a fixed return and fee assumption, then applies monthly or weekly contributions at the end of each period.
Limitation
It does not model drawdowns, dividend timing, taxes, currency changes, or sequence-of-returns risk.
Treating a fixed return as a forecast
The annual return input is only an assumption. Run lower-return and negative-return scenarios before using the projection in a plan.
Ignoring fees, taxes, and currency effects
This calculator can include an annual fee, but it does not model taxes, dividends, trading costs, currency changes, or account rules.
Comparing monthly contributions you cannot sustain
A high recurring contribution can look attractive in a projection but fail in practice. Compare monthly and weekly scenarios that match your real cash flow.
ETF contributions
Estimate monthly or weekly investing scenarios with annual return and expense ratio assumptions.
Savings habits
Compare how different recurring contributions change the long-term projection.
Fee comparison
See how annual fees reduce the estimated balance over time compared with a no-fee scenario.
Lump sum vs DCA
Compare the current recurring plan against an educational lump-sum scenario using the same planned principal.
Planning examples
Create educational examples for goals, notes, and investment discussions.
Dollar cost averaging calculator
Model recurring contributions with a fixed return and fee assumption.
Monthly investment calculator
Compare how different monthly contribution amounts change a long-term projection.
Weekly DCA calculator
Switch to weekly contributions for ETF, crypto, or recurring savings education scenarios.
Lump sum vs DCA calculator
Compare recurring contributions with a same-principal upfront investment scenario.
ETF DCA calculator
Estimate ETF contribution scenarios with expense ratio and horizon assumptions.
DCA fee impact calculator
Estimate how annual fee assumptions affect the projected ending balance.
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.
Can I compare weekly and monthly investing?
Yes. Use the contribution frequency control to switch between weekly and monthly recurring contributions.
Is lump sum vs DCA a recommendation?
No. The comparison is an educational same-assumption scenario, not advice about which approach to choose.
Suggested workflow
Recurring investment path
Move from monthly investing assumptions to compound growth and housing or debt comparisons.