Investing strategy

Dollar-Cost Averaging Simulator

Invest the same amount on a schedule, no matter the price. Enter a fixed investment amount and a list of prices to see exactly how dollar-cost averaging would have played out.

—Ending value
—Total invested
—Total gain / loss
—Units purchased
—Your average cost
—Simple average price

Calculated on your device. Nothing is uploaded or stored on a server.

How to use the dollar-cost averaging simulator

Enter the fixed amount you'd invest every period, then list a price for each period the strategy runs — separate them with commas or put one price per line. The simulator buys units at each price, exactly like a recurring investment or 401(k) contribution.

Why dollar-cost averaging can lower your average cost

Because you invest the same dollar amount every period, you automatically buy more units when the price is low and fewer units when the price is high. Over a fluctuating price series, this typically pulls your average cost per unit below the simple average of the prices themselves — the core mechanical advantage of dollar-cost averaging.

It doesn't guarantee profit

If prices trend steadily downward the whole period, DCA still loses money — it just loses less than investing everything at the very first, highest price.

Great for volatility, not timing

DCA removes the pressure to time the market and smooths out the impact of short-term price swings on your entry cost.

Dollar-cost averaging simulator FAQ

Common questions, answered.

How does the simulator calculate units purchased?

For each price you enter, it divides your fixed investment amount by that price to get the units bought that period, then adds up units and total invested across all periods.

Why is my average cost lower than the average price?

Because you buy more units when the price dips and fewer when it rises, your investment-weighted average cost is typically below the simple (unweighted) average of the prices, as long as prices fluctuate.

What counts as the ending value?

The simulator values all units purchased at the last price in your list, as if you sold (or marked to market) at the end of the period you entered.

Can I use this for crypto or any recurring investment?

Yes. Enter any sequence of prices — stock closes, crypto prices, fund NAVs — and the same math applies regardless of the asset.

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