Lump Sum vs DCA Calculator

See whether investing all at once or spreading the same amount over time would leave you ahead. Enter total amount, frequency, years, and expected growth; we show both outcomes side by side.

Inputs

Comparison results

Lump sum ending value$16,453.09
DCA ending value$12,906.18
Total gross cash committed$10,000
Net into asset (lump sum)$10,000
Net into asset (DCA)$10,000
DifferenceLump sum ahead by $3,546.91
Lump sum coins0.2
DCA coins accumulated0.15688456
Price at end$82,265.45

Lump sum vs DCA: projected value over time

Projected portfolio value for each strategy using the same total amount, frequency, years, and growth assumption. Values are nominal and for illustration only.

How it works

The comparison uses the same gross cash committed (total amount to invest) for both strategies. Lump sum: you invest that amount at the current price at the start (minus any lump sum fee). DCA: you split the same total into equal installments and contribute at the end of each period, buying at that period's closing price. Both use the same price path (annual growth applied per period). Fees are flat dollar amounts and reduce the amount actually invested into the asset, not the gross cash you commit.

Lump sum: coins = (total − lump fee) ÷ current price; value at end = coins × future price. DCA: each period, (contribution − fee) buys at that period's price; we sum the coins and multiply by the same future price. Difference = lump sum ending value − DCA ending value (positive means lump sum came out ahead).

Pre-tax comparison; consult a tax advisor for your situation. Results are estimates only.

FAQ

Are these calculators financial advice?
No. All tools are for educational and estimation purposes only. Always do your own research and consider consulting a financial advisor.
Do you store my data?
No. All calculations run in your browser. We do not collect or store your inputs.
Which is better, lump sum or DCA?
It depends on the market. In rising markets, lump sum often wins because you have more money in the asset earlier. DCA can reduce regret if the price drops right after you invest. This calculator shows both outcomes for the same total amount so you can compare.
Why can lump sum outperform DCA in rising markets?
With lump sum you put all your money in at the start, so it benefits from the full price appreciation over the whole period. With DCA you spread purchases over time, so later purchases happen at higher prices. In a steadily rising market, having more invested earlier usually leads to a higher ending value.
How is this different from the DCA calculator?
The DCA calculator answers "what do I get from DCA-ing a fixed amount on a schedule?" This calculator answers "for the same total money, does lump sum or DCA do better?"—it compares both strategies side by side with the same gross cash committed.

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Calculators are for education and estimation only. Not financial advice.