CalcArcade.

Inflation Calculator

Enter an amount in today’s money, the yearly inflation rate you want to assume and the number of years. You see what the same things will cost then and how much the money will buy.

Your numbers

Result

Estimate for information only, not professional advice. Last reviewed .

How we calculate it

Prices are assumed to rise by the same percentage every year. The future cost of something that costs A today is A × (1 + i)^t, where i is the yearly inflation rate and t the years.

The buying power of an amount A held as cash is A ÷ (1 + i)^t, measured in today’s money. At 3% for 10 years, 100 today costs 134.39 later, and 100 held in cash buys what 74.41 buys today.

Assumptions and limits

  • The rate is an assumption that you enter. This calculator does not use official inflation data, and real inflation changes from year to year.
  • Different goods rise at different speeds, so your own inflation can differ from an average rate.
  • A negative rate shows falling prices.

Frequently asked questions

What inflation rate should I use?

Many people try a range, such as 2%, 3% and 4%, to see the spread. For a real figure, look at the latest published inflation data for your country and treat it as a guess for the future.

What does buying power mean?

It is how much a fixed amount of money can buy. If prices rise and your money does not grow, the same amount buys less.

How can I protect savings from inflation?

Interest protects your savings only when the rate is higher than inflation. Roughly, your real return is the interest rate minus inflation. The future value calculator shows how interest builds up over time.

Related calculators

Worked example (a fixed example using the starting numbers, it does not change as you type)

Inputs: Amount today ($) = 1000; Assumed yearly inflation (%) = 3; Years = 10.

  • Cost in the future $1,343.92
  • Buying power of that amount $744.09
  • Total price rise 34.39%

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Last reviewed: . Formulas and assumptions are described on our methodology page. For information only; not professional advice.