Crypto Dollar Cost Average (DCA) Calculator
Compare regular contributions under an assumed constant annual return. This projection shows dollars invested and scenario value; it does not fetch crypto prices or calculate average entry cost.
Investment Details
Crypto DCA Growth Projection
10 Year ScenarioContributions are added at period end. A smooth constant return omits price volatility, fees, taxes and exchange risk. Change the return assumption to compare loss scenarios.
Separate a savings projection from a DCA backtest
Investor.gov defines dollar-cost averaging as investing equal amounts at regular intervals regardless of market movements. Actual units purchased depend on each execution price. This page has no execution-price input, so it cannot report coin quantities or average cost.
Use the inputs consistently
Enter an initial dollar amount, a contribution per selected period, 1–50 whole years and an effective annual return assumption. Monthly, quarterly and yearly are supported. The periodic growth factor is (1 + annual return)1/n, where n is periods per year and the rate is a decimal. Each contribution arrives after that period of growth.
At zero return, $1,000 initially plus $100 per month for one year gives $2,200: $1,000 + 12 × $100. With no contributions and an 8% effective annual return, $10,000 becomes $10,800 after one year, whichever frequency is selected. These are arithmetic scenarios, not recommended crypto return assumptions.
What the chart can and cannot show
The invested-capital line tracks contributions; the value line applies the constant return. A negative assumption can put value below contributions. Real prices follow an uneven path, so a smooth curve does not measure drawdown or compare historical DCA performance with a lump sum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this calculate historical Bitcoin DCA returns or average cost?
No. This is a constant-return contribution projection with no price history, token quantities or average entry price. Use an actual transaction ledger to calculate coin amounts and cost.
How is the annual return used?
It is an effective annual assumption. For n contributions per year, the periodic growth factor is (1 + annual return/100)^(1/n). The same annual assumption therefore means the same annual growth before contributions across frequencies.
When are contributions added?
At the end of each monthly, quarterly or yearly period, after that period of growth. The initial investment participates from time zero. Fees and taxes are omitted.
Is a positive return assumption a forecast?
No. The default is an illustration. Try a negative rate and zero rate as well; regular buying does not guarantee profit or prevent a large loss.
Does DCA always beat a lump sum or lower my cost?
No. Outcomes depend on the price path and when cash is invested. A purchase above your existing average raises average cost. This smooth-return model cannot compare the effects of real price paths.
Related Tools
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Project regular end-of-period contributions using a constant effective annual return. Compare nominal balances and deposits; no purchase-price history or average share cost.
Crypto Average Calculator
Track entered crypto buys and sells in date order with a FIFO illustration of remaining cost and realized gains.
Test Trading Rules Separately from Contribution Plans.
Use Pineify to draft Pine Script indicators and backtest rules for TradingView. Review generated code and simulation assumptions; this contribution projection does not validate a trading strategy.
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