A fair historical comparison
Lump sum buys at the first observed price while DCA divides the same budget across scheduled observations. Both positions are valued at the final observed price.
DCA vs Lump Sum Backtest
Compare two purchase schedules over the same observed historical pool prices.
Data basis
Observed
Formula
- 1Choose token
- 2Set historical schedule
- 3Compare outcomes
1. Choose a token and historical window
2. Set the same budget and costs
Equal budget allocation at each observed schedule point.
Advanced settingsOptional values. The defaults work for most users.
Your comparison will appear here
Load observed history, then compare the two schedules.
How this calculation works — the formula, its inputs, what it assumes, and what it does not establish.
Calculator guide
How to use this crypto DCA vs lump sum calculator
Backtest equal scheduled purchases against one purchase at the start of the same observed token-price window. Both strategies use the same total budget, costs and final valuation date.
Costs matter more with repeated buys
Percentage and fixed transaction costs are applied to every actual purchase. Repeated fixed costs can materially reduce a DCA position, especially for smaller budgets.
A backtest is not a recommendation
The leading strategy describes only the selected historical pool, window and schedule. It does not predict future prices or identify an optimal investment strategy.
Understand the assumptions
DCA vs Lump Sum FAQ
How would DCA and lump sum have differed over this historical period?
Compare scheduled purchases with one initial purchase over the same observed price history. MoonMath labels the data basis for this tool as Observed, Formula.
Is the DCA vs Lump Sum a prediction or recommendation?
No. The DCA vs Lump Sum Backtest is an educational scenario tool, not financial advice, a recommendation, or a forecast. Provider coverage, liquidity, routing, fees and market conditions can make real outcomes materially different.
Does a DCA backtest show which strategy will win next time?
No. It compares two purchase schedules over one observed historical window and cannot predict the next market path.