Invest Control

ETF / DCA calculator

Calculate portfolio growth from regular monthly contributions into ETFs or funds, compare it with a lump-sum investment of the same amount, and follow the chart and yearly overview.

Parameters

Display currency

Starting balanceAmount already invested before the plan begins (optional)

Monthly contributionA fixed amount added every month (DCA)

Expected annual returnNominal average growth, compounded monthly (illustration only)

Investment horizonHow many years the plan runs

yrs

Show the lump-sum comparison on the chartCompares the DCA path with investing the same total amount on day 1 (the classic comparison).

ETFs and regular investing (DCA)

Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) means investing a fixed amount on a schedule — for example every month into a broadly diversified equity ETF — instead of trying to time one large purchase. You automatically buy more shares at lower prices and fewer at higher prices, which can temper impulsive decisions.

ETFs often serve as a simple building block of long-term plans: diversification, transparency, and easy pairing with a standing order. This calculator uses a constant expected return as an illustration; real markets move in cycles and past performance does not guarantee future results.

Results

Final portfolio (DCA)

$2,604,633

Total invested

$1,200,000

Return on the DCA plan

$1,404,633

Final portfolio (lump sum)

$4,846,487

DCA minus lump (at the end)

−$2,241,853

Investment growth over time

The “lump sum” scenario assumes the entire final contributed amount was invested on day one.

Year-by-year overview

Year	Contributed so far	DCA portfolio	Return (DCA)	Portfolio (lump)
Year 1	$60,000	$61,963	$1,963	$1,286,748
Year 2	$120,000	$128,405	$8,405	$1,379,767
Year 3	$180,000	$199,651	$19,651	$1,479,511
Year 4	$240,000	$276,046	$36,046	$1,586,465
Year 5	$300,000	$357,965	$57,965	$1,701,150
Year 6	$360,000	$445,805	$85,805	$1,824,127
Year 7	$420,000	$539,995	$119,995	$1,955,993
Year 8	$480,000	$640,994	$160,994	$2,097,392
Year 9	$540,000	$749,295	$209,295	$2,249,012
Year 10	$600,000	$865,424	$265,424	$2,411,594
Year 11	$660,000	$989,949	$329,949	$2,585,928
Year 12	$720,000	$1,123,475	$403,475	$2,772,865
Year 13	$780,000	$1,266,654	$486,654	$2,973,316
Year 14	$840,000	$1,420,183	$580,183	$3,188,257
Year 15	$900,000	$1,584,811	$684,811	$3,418,736
Year 16	$960,000	$1,761,341	$801,341	$3,665,877
Year 17	$1,020,000	$1,950,631	$930,631	$3,930,883
Year 18	$1,080,000	$2,153,605	$1,073,605	$4,215,047
Year 19	$1,140,000	$2,371,252	$1,231,252	$4,519,753
Year 20	$1,200,000	$2,604,633	$1,404,633	$4,846,487

Simplified model: no taxes, fees, or uninvested cash. The lump-sum scenario assumes the entire final contributed amount was available on day one.