Lump Sum vs Monthly Investment Calculator
Compare lump-sum investing versus gradual monthly contributions.
Understanding This Calculator
Got a windfall? Should you deploy it all at once, or dollar-cost-average it in over months? This tool runs both strategies side-by-side for your scenario.
Core Formula
Compare: Lump Sum FV vs DCA Monthly FV over same period
Which strategy wins statistically?
Studies show lump-sum outperforms DCA roughly 2/3 of the time over long horizons, because markets generally rise over time.
Why do people still prefer DCA?
Psychology. DCA reduces the regret of investing right before a crash. For large emotional windfalls, DCA can be the rational emotional choice.
* All calculations above are theoretical estimates. Actual returns vary based on market performance, fees, taxes, inflation, and economic factors. This tool is for educational purposes only — not financial advice.