Should you invest all at once or spread it out over time? Compare lump-sum investing against dollar-cost averaging to see how each strategy performs over your chosen time horizon.
Start CalculatingAdjust the inputs and see how lump sum and DCA compare over time.
See how both strategies perform side by side over your time horizon.
Compare lump sum and DCA values at each year milestone.
| Year | Lump Sum Value | DCA Value | Difference |
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Understanding both strategies to make an informed decision.
Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) means investing a fixed amount at regular intervals regardless of market price. When prices are low, you buy more shares; when prices are high, you buy fewer. This smooths out the impact of volatility and removes the stress of trying to time the market.
Historically, lump-sum investing outperforms DCA about two-thirds of the time. In a market that trends upward, money invested earlier has more time to grow. The math is simple: the longer your money is invested, the more compound growth it accumulates. Markets go up more often than down.
DCA reduces “regret risk” — the pain of investing everything right before a downturn. If you’re nervous about market timing, DCA provides peace of mind. It’s also the natural strategy for most people, who invest a portion of each paycheck. The best strategy is one you’ll actually follow through on.
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