Dollar-Cost Averaging Calculator
Estimate ending value from a starting investment plus regular contributions under an assumed effective annual return. Dollar-cost averaging does not guarantee profit or prevent losses. Returns are hypothetical.
Your results will appear here
Enter your assumptions and calculate to see the estimated result and supporting details.
How this calculator works
Enter starting investment, contribution amount and frequency, expected annual return, and investment period in whole years.
Results show ending value, totals invested, growth, contribution count, an annual projection, and a chart.
Formula / methodology
growthFactor = (1 + annualReturn)^elapsedYears
Ending = start × growthFactor(full horizon)
+ Σ contribution × growthFactor(years remaining)- Expected annual return is treated as an effective annual return — not a nominal bank APR.
- Contributions occur at the end of each contribution period (month, quarter, or year).
- Earlier contributions have more growth time than later ones when the assumed return is positive.
Worked example
With a 0% assumed return, ending value equals total invested.
With no contributions, ending value equals starting × (1 + annualReturn)^years.
Over 10 years: monthly contributions produce 120 deposits, quarterly 40, annually 10.
Important assumptions
- Expected return is a hypothetical effective annual assumption you supply.
- End-of-period contribution timing.
- Taxes, fees, and sequence-of-returns risk are not modeled here.
- Negative returns greater than −100% are supported for illustration.
Common questions
No. Dollar-cost averaging is a contribution schedule, not a guarantee of profit or loss prevention.
No. It is treated as an effective annual return. Use APY vs. APR if you need to convert nominal rates.
Yes, for illustration, as long as the rate is greater than −100%. Charts and tables remain finite.