📈 InvestmentDollar-Cost Averaging

Dollar-Cost Averaging

Project the outcome of investing a fixed amount on a regular schedule.

UPDATED · MAY 2026
AD
After 10 years of $500/mo
$91,473
INVESTED$60,000
GAIN$31,473
Future value
$91,473
Total invested
$60,000
Market gain
$31,473
DOLLAR-COST AVERAGING OVER TIME
Total value Invested
$0$25K$50K$75K$100K0y3y6y9y10y
AD

How to use the Dollar-Cost Averaging

  1. 01
    Set your monthly investment. The fixed amount you'll invest each month.
  2. 02
    Add return and years. Your expected average annual return and how long you'll invest.
  3. 03
    See the projection. Future value, total invested, and gains, plus a growth chart.

How is it calculated?

Dollar-cost averaging invests a fixed amount on a regular schedule regardless of price. We compound each monthly contribution at your expected return to the end of the period. Because you buy more shares when prices are low and fewer when high, DCA smooths out your average cost and removes the need to time the market.

Frequently asked

The questions readers ask most about the dollar-cost averaging.

Historically, lump-sum investing wins on average because markets tend to rise. But DCA reduces regret and risk if you're investing from income you earn over time anyway.
LEARNDollar-cost averaging: investing on autopilot