DCA Calculator
Dollar-cost averaging strategy simulator.
Simulates price fluctuation. Higher = more volatile asset.
Expected average annual price change. Use negative for declining assets.
Runs multiple simulations to find best, worst, and average outcomes.
About the DCA Calculator
Investment calculators for compound interest, ROI, FIRE number, and dividend projections. All private, in-browser.
How to Use This Calculator
Plan your investments in five steps.
- 1
Enter your initial investment
Input the starting amount you are investing today.
- 2
Add regular contributions
Specify monthly or annual additions to your portfolio.
- 3
Set the expected return rate
Use 7–10% for equities, 6–8% for balanced portfolios.
- 4
Choose the time horizon
Longer horizons dramatically amplify compound growth.
- 5
Analyze your results
View projected balance, total contributions, and growth charts.
Key Features
Powerful features for investors at any level:
Compound growth projection
See year-by-year growth with compounding.
Regular contribution modeling
Add monthly, quarterly, or annual contributions.
Inflation-adjusted returns
Toggle between nominal and real returns.
Interactive growth charts
Visualize principal vs interest over time.
Multiple compounding frequencies
Daily, monthly, quarterly, or annual compounding.
100% private
No account required — data stays on your device.
The Power of Compound Interest
A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt). $10K at 10% compounded monthly becomes $198K in 30 years. Add $500/month and it reaches $1.24M. Starting 10 years earlier can more than double your balance.
Investment Scenarios & Examples
Real investment planning examples:
Retirement nest egg
$500/month at 8% for 30 years = $745K. 40 years = $1.75M.
FIRE number
$50K annual expenses = $1.25M FIRE number (×25).
DCA vs lump sum
Lump sum beats DCA ~68% of the time, but DCA reduces timing risk.
Dividend reinvestment
$100K at 3% yield with DRIP = $243K vs $190K without — 28% more.
Smart Investing Tips
Proven strategies to maximize returns:
Start early
$200/month from age 25 beats $500/month from age 35.
Use dollar-cost averaging
Fixed amounts at regular intervals reduces timing risk.
Keep fees low
A 1% fee on $500K costs $5K/year. Index funds at 0.03% save thousands.
Diversify
A 60/40 portfolio has returned 6–8% with lower volatility.
Rebalance annually
Review allocation yearly to maintain your target mix.
Investment Pitfalls to Avoid
Common mistakes that hurt your portfolio:
Unrealistic returns
Never assume more than 10–12% for long-term planning.
Ignoring inflation
10% nominal with 3% inflation = only 7% real return.
Emotional investing
Selling during downturns locks in losses — stay the course.
Chasing past performance
Last year's winner is often next year's loser. Choose index funds.
Overlooking tax efficiency
Hold bonds and REITs in tax-advantaged accounts.
Expert Tips
Maximize employer 401k match
An instant 50% return — do not leave it on the table.
Use tax-advantaged accounts first
Max out IRA ($7K) and 401k ($23.5K) before taxable accounts.
Build an emergency fund first
Keep 3–6 months of expenses before investing.
Common Questions
What return rate should I assume?
How is compound interest calculated?
What is the 4% rule for FIRE?
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SIP Calculator
Systematic investment plan returns projection.
ROI Calculator
Measure return on investment with precise metrics.
Dividend Calculator
Calculate dividend yield and reinvestment growth.
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