DCA Calculator
Compare scheduled buys with a lump sum
Enter a contribution, share price, and years to see dollar-cost averaging versus investing the same cash on day one.
With dollar-cost averaging
Breakdown
What the model counted
Next check
A DCA schedule does not tell you if the stock is still in an advancing stage.
How to use it
Step 1
Set the buy schedule
Add how much you would invest each period, a starting share price, and how many years to run. Monthly is the default for most stock DCA plans.
- Optional annual price change, including a decline
- Runs in the browser with no account
Step 2
Compare DCA with a lump sum
The result shows ending value if you buy on a schedule, ending value if you invested the same total on day one, and your average cost per share.
- Rising prices usually favor the lump sum
- Link to Stage Analysis before treating the schedule as a buy plan
How a stock DCA calculator works
Each period the model spends your contribution at the then-current price, then applies the annual price change. The lump-sum path invests the same total cash at the starting price and rides to the same ending price.
That is a projection from your assumptions, not a backtest of a ticker. Check Stage Analysis if you are deciding whether the stock’s trend still supports a buy schedule. For fills you already made, use the Stock Average Calculator.
Results are calculated from the numbers you enter, not generated by AI and not pulled from a brokerage account. This tool is not investment advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is a DCA calculator?
A DCA calculator models dollar-cost averaging: buying a fixed dollar amount of stock on a schedule, then comparing that to putting the same total cash in on day one.
How does dollar-cost averaging work?
You invest the same amount each month, quarter, or year. When the price is lower you buy more shares; when it is higher you buy fewer. The calculator compounds an assumed annual price change between buys.
Is DCA the same as averaging down?
No. Averaging down is buying more after a decline to lower the cost of shares you already own. DCA is a planned schedule of buys whether the price is up or down. Use the Stock Average Calculator for lots you already bought.
Does dollar-cost averaging beat a lump sum?
Not automatically. If the price trends up, investing all cash on day one usually ends higher. If the price trends down, spreading buys can buy more shares. Flat prices make the two paths match.
Is this investment advice?
No. The tool is for educational and informational use and does not recommend buying or selling a security.
Example DCA setups
Stock Average CalculatorStock Profit CalculatorStock Stage AnalysisAll free tools