ETF DCA Calculator

Calculator Inputs

ETF name or ticker

Currency

Initial investment

Recurring contribution

Contribution frequency

Investment period in years

Starting ETF share price

Annual price growth %

Annual dividend yield %

Expense ratio %

Annual contribution growth %

Inflation rate %

Contribution timing

Reinvest dividends automatically

Example Data Table

Scenario	Initial	Recurring	Frequency	Years	Price Growth	Dividend Yield
Balanced broad market	$5,000	$500	Monthly	15	7.0%	2.0%
Dividend focused plan	$10,000	$700	Monthly	20	5.5%	3.5%
Index starter strategy	$1,000	$150	Biweekly	10	6.5%	1.8%

These sample rows are illustrative only and help users test the calculator quickly.

Formula Used

The calculator models share accumulation period by period. Initial money buys shares at the starting ETF price. Each recurring contribution buys more shares based on the chosen schedule and timing.

Contribution for each year:
Contribution_year = Base Contribution × (1 + Contribution Growth Rate)^{year - 1}

Periodic price factor:
Price Factor = (1 + Annual Price Growth Rate)^{1 / Periods Per Year}

Periodic dividend rate:
Dividend Rate_period = (1 + Annual Dividend Yield)^{1 / Periods Per Year} − 1

Periodic fee effect:
Fee Rate_period = 1 − (1 − Annual Expense Ratio)^{1 / Periods Per Year}

Portfolio value:
Portfolio Value = Shares Owned × Current ETF Price

Total account value:
Total Value = Portfolio Value + Unreinvested Dividends

Inflation-adjusted value:
Real Value = Ending Total ÷ (1 + Inflation Rate)^Years

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the ETF name or ticker for easy reference.
Set your initial investment and recurring contribution amount.
Choose weekly, biweekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly investing.
Enter the number of years you plan to invest.
Add starting share price, expected price growth, and dividend yield.
Include expense ratio, inflation, and yearly contribution increase.
Select contribution timing and whether dividends are reinvested.
Press the button to view results, graph, and export options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does an ETF DCA calculator show?

It estimates how recurring ETF purchases may grow over time. It also shows share accumulation, dividends, fee drag, ending value, and inflation-adjusted purchasing power.

2. Why is share price included?

Share price helps estimate how many ETF units each contribution buys. Rising prices usually reduce future share count, while lower prices increase accumulated shares.

3. How are dividends treated here?

You can choose reinvestment or keep dividends as cash. Reinvestment buys more shares, while cash dividends remain separate and are still included in total account value.

4. What is fee drag?

Fee drag estimates the value difference between your chosen expense ratio and a zero-fee version of the same projection. It highlights how costs compound over long periods.

5. Does this guarantee future ETF returns?

No. It is a planning model based on assumptions you enter. Real ETF returns, dividend levels, market volatility, and fees can differ from projected values.

6. Why include inflation?

Inflation converts future money into present-value terms. This helps you judge what the projected balance may actually buy after several years.

7. Should I choose beginning or end of period investing?

Beginning-of-period investing gives contributions more time in the market. End-of-period investing is more conservative and may better match delayed salary or transfer timing.

8. Can this compare different ETF strategies?

Yes. Run the calculator multiple times with different yields, growth assumptions, fees, and contribution schedules. Then compare yearly tables, ending values, and fee drag.