Investment Return Calculator
DCA & lump-sum annualized return calculation for investment tracking
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DCA vs Lump Sum Investing — Which Delivers Better Returns?
Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) smooths market volatility by buying at average prices. Lump sum historically wins in bull markets. This calculator compares both strategies side-by-side.
CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) Formula
CAGR = (End Value / Start Value)^(1/Years) - 1. Example: $100K to $150K over 5 years = (1.5)^(1/5) - 1 ≈ 8.45%. DCA returns account for each contribution's time-weighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I invest $500/month, how much will I have in 20 years?
At 8% annual return, investing $500/month for 20 years (total $120K contributed) yields approximately $294K — nearly $174K in gains. Returns depend on market performance; historical averages range 6-10%.
How do I calculate returns for stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds?
Stocks: price change + dividends. Mutual funds: NAV growth + distributions. This calculator uses CAGR for cross-asset comparison. Enter your start value, end value, and holding period.
What is the Rule of 72 and how does compound interest work?
Rule of 72: Divide 72 by your annual return to find doubling time. At 8%, money doubles in ~9 years. Compound interest means you earn returns on your returns — the earlier you start, the more powerful it becomes.