Loading calculator
See what might happen if you invest the same amount again and again instead of trying to time the market.
Last reviewed by FinSync LLC
Who this is for
People who invest the same amount on a schedule and want to see what that strategy could do.
What to type in
How much you plan to invest, how often you will invest, how long you will do it, and the market path.
Start with the assumptions, then use the interpretation below to compare tradeoffs without bouncing between sections.
Entry strategy
DCA ends at $15,839.84 and lump sum ends at $21,600.00 under the chosen market path.
Lump-sum ending value
$21.6K
DCA return
32.0%
Lump-sum return
80.0%
Per-period amount
$200.00
DCA spreads $12,000.00 over time instead of committing it all at once.
Your chosen market scenario changes the answer a lot. Rising markets tend to favor lump sum, while rough entries can favor DCA.
The DCA return here is 32.0% versus 80.0% for lump sum.
Use this to choose a process you can stick with emotionally, not just the highest number in one scenario.
Test bull, bear, and volatile paths before assuming one entry style is always better.
Calculators are useful for scenarios. BetterOff connects supported accounts so you can compare those assumptions with synced balances and transactions.
Connect a supported bank, brokerage, or exchange. Connections are read-only, encrypted, and cannot move money.
Use this if you want to understand how the calculator works, not just plug in numbers.
Step 1
Enter total investment amount, time horizon, and contribution cadence.
Step 2
Choose a market scenario preset or enter custom start/end prices.
Step 3
Compare DCA and lump-sum ending values and returns.
These cover the assumptions, tradeoffs, and edge cases behind the calculator.
Use the calculator for the math, then use these guides to make the decision with more confidence.
Compound Interest
Project long-term portfolio growth using principal, recurring contributions, and configurable compounding frequency.
Investment Return
Calculate total return, CAGR, and dollar gain from initial investment, final value, holding period, and dividends received.
Portfolio Allocation
Get a recommended split across US stocks, international stocks, bonds, and cash based on your time horizon and risk tolerance.
Reviewed by FinSync LLC
DCA vs. lump-sum outcome
DCA ending value
$15.8K
32.0% total return
Lump-sum ending value
$21.6K
80.0% total return