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Financial Planning

Dollar-Cost Averaging Calculator

Find the average cost per share when investing a fixed amount at different prices, and compare it with the simple average price.

Your inputs

Results

Your average cost per share

$38.4615

Shares bought
65
Total invested
$2,500.00
Simple average of prices
$41.0000

✓Exact calculation — rounded only for display

Inputs are never added to links for financial, salary or health calculators.

What this calculator does

With dollar-cost averaging you invest the same amount regularly, so you automatically buy more shares when prices are low and fewer when they are high.

Formula and method

Shares = Σ (amount ÷ priceₖ); Average cost = total invested ÷ shares (the harmonic mean of the prices)

Worked example

Calculated by this tool with its default inputs:

Inputs

  • Amount invested each time: 500 (any currency)
  • Price per share at each purchase: 50, 40, 25, 40, 50
  • Current price per share (optional): 0 (any currency)

Results

  • Your average cost per share: 38.4615
  • Shares bought: 65
  • Total invested: 2,500
  • Simple average of prices: 41

How to read the results

Your average cost per share is always at or below the simple average of the prices — the mathematical benefit of buying a fixed amount.

Assumptions and limitations

  • DCA reduces timing risk but does not guarantee a profit.

Financial results are estimates based on the inputs and assumptions shown. They are not financial advice; confirm figures with your lender, provider or a qualified adviser before making decisions.

Questions

Is DCA better than investing a lump sum?

Historically a lump sum invested immediately has often done better on average because markets tend to rise, but DCA reduces regret and timing risk.

Methodology and verification

Result type
Exact mathematical calculation (rounded only for display)
Formula version
1.0
Automated verification
3 reference and validation test cases, checked against independently computed values. The site cannot be built if any of them fail.
Editorial review
Awaiting human editorial review. The explanation was drafted with AI assistance; the formula and examples are verified by the automated tests above.

Privacy

Everything you enter is calculated in this browser and is not sent to Numerith or anyone else. Because this calculator can involve personal financial or health details, your inputs are never added to share links or saved to history. Privacy policy