Quick answer
Set an amount, schedule, horizon, starting token price, and annual price scenario. The calculator builds each scheduled purchase and reports contributions, units, average cost, ending value, and fees.
The projection uses a smooth compounded price path. Markets never move that neatly, so run a falling case, a flat case, and a rising case rather than trusting one output.
How to use it
- 1Choose how much to invest each week, every two weeks, or each month.
- 2Enter the planning horizon and a starting token price.
- 3Set an annual price-change assumption, including a negative value for a declining market, and add the purchase fee.
- 4Compare the DCA path with total cash invested and the day-one lump-sum scenario. Repeat with several assumptions.
Formula and method
At each scheduled date, price compounds from the entered starting price at the annual scenario rate. Units purchased equal contribution after fee divided by that period's modeled price.
Ending value equals total accumulated units multiplied by ending price. Average cost divides all cash contributed, including fees, by accumulated units. The lump-sum comparison invests the entire planned contribution total at the starting price.
Worked example
$100 per month for four years creates 48 purchases and $4,800 in total contributions. A 0.25% fee uses $0.25 from each purchase, or $12 across the plan.
With a $60,000 starting price and a 15% annual scenario, later purchases receive fewer units. The chart shows projected portfolio value against cash invested, while the lump-sum line item reveals the cost or benefit of delaying exposure.
Limits to know
- A smooth annual price path cannot represent volatility, crashes, rallies, or intra-period execution timing.
- The model does not fetch historical prices or predict returns.
- Taxes, spreads, withdrawal fees, staking yield, and custody risk are excluded.
- The lump-sum comparison assumes the full future contribution budget is available on day one.
Frequently asked questions
What is dollar-cost averaging in crypto?
Dollar-cost averaging means buying a fixed dollar amount on a repeating schedule. More units are purchased when price is lower and fewer when price is higher.
Is this a historical DCA backtest?
No. It is a transparent scenario model using the starting price and annual price change you enter. The chart uses a smooth compounded path so you can test assumptions without pretending to know future prices.
Why compare DCA with a lump sum?
The comparison shows the timing tradeoff when the full planned contribution amount is available on day one. Rising paths generally favor earlier exposure, while falling paths can favor gradual purchases.
Are purchase fees included in average cost?
Yes. Each contribution is reduced by the entered percentage fee before units are purchased, while the full cash contribution is included in average cost.