How this DCA projection works
Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) means contributing a fixed amount on a regular schedule. This calculator compounds the portfolio monthly and adds the contribution at either the start or end of every month. It uses the same return assumption throughout the projection, so the curve is deliberately smooth. Real stocks, gold and crypto do not grow smoothly.
The monthly growth rate is derived from the annual return after applying the annual fee factor. With an annual return r and fee f, the model uses a monthly factor of [(1 + r) × (1 − f)]1/12. Contributions made at the start of a month receive that month's return; end-of-month contributions do not.
Estimated fee drag compares the ending value under your selected fee with the same projection at a zero fee. It includes both fees and the compounding those deducted amounts no longer earn. The inflation-adjusted result divides each nominal value by the chosen inflation factor over elapsed time.
DCA does not remove investment risk
Regular contributions can reduce the importance of choosing one purchase date, but they do not prevent losses or guarantee profit. A negative return assumption can produce an ending portfolio below the amount contributed. Fees, taxes, spreads, custody costs and irregular cash flows may also change actual results.
Stocks, gold and crypto need different assumptions
The investment label never inserts a suggested return. Use an assumption you can explain and test several cases rather than treating one percentage as a forecast. Historical returns may be useful context, but they are not promised future returns. Crypto in particular can have large drawdowns and uncertain long-term outcomes.