Drip Feed vs Lump Sum Calculator
Should you invest a lump sum all at once, or drip feed it in over several months? Compare both strategies side by side.
Learn how this calculator works →Calculator inputs
£1,667/month for 12 months
Average stock market volatility is around 5-6. Set to 0 for smooth curves.
Lump sum
£22,277
Drip feed
£20,294
Lump sum advantage
£1,983 (8.9%)
Historical context: Vanguard research shows lump sum investing beats drip feeding roughly two-thirds of the time, because markets trend upward. But drip feeding reduces your exposure to short-term volatility, which can matter more for peace of mind than raw returns.
Growth comparison
Year-by-year breakdown
| Year | Lump sum | Drip feed | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | £22,277 | £20,294 | +£1,983 |
Important: Not Financial Advice
This calculator is provided for educational and illustrative purposes only. Freedom Isn't Free is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and does not provide financial advice, investment recommendations, or tax guidance.
The projections shown are hypothetical, assume a constant rate of return, and do not account for inflation, taxes, or fees. Actual investment returns vary and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
Before making any financial decisions, please consult with an independent financial adviser regulated by the FCA. For help finding an adviser, visit MoneyHelper or Unbiased.
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