Dollar Cost Averaging Calculator
Project the future value of recurring contributions.
Estimated balance
$260,463
Total contributed
$120,000
Growth
$140,463
Future value of equal contributions earning a constant return. Real-world returns vary year to year, so treat this as a planning estimate, not a forecast.
About
If you put $X into an investment every week or month at an average annual return, what does that grow into? This calculator runs the future-value-of-an-annuity formula and breaks the result into what you contributed and what the market did.
How to use
- Enter how much you contribute each period.
- Pick how often.
- Set how many years and an expected annual return.
- Read the projected balance and growth.
FAQ
What return rate should I use?+
Historical US stock market returns average around 10% nominal, 7% real (after inflation). For planning, 6-8% is a common conservative estimate. Use whatever matches your asset mix.
Does this assume contributions at the start or end of each period?+
End of period (ordinary annuity). The difference vs start-of-period is small over long horizons.