How to use the Inflation Calculator
Enter the amount, average annual inflation and years and the result appears straight away. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing you type is uploaded.
The formula
Future cost = amount × (1 + rate)^years
Examples
- $1,000 at 3% inflation for 10 years
Cost in 10 year(s) of what $1,000.00 buys today: $1,343.92 Purchasing power of $1,000.00 in 10 year(s), in today's money: $744.09 Total inflation over the period: 34.39%
- $1,000 at 3% for 30 years
Cost in 30 year(s) of what $1,000.00 buys today: $2,427.26 Purchasing power of $1,000.00 in 30 year(s), in today's money: $411.99 Total inflation over the period: 142.73%
- $50,000 at 2.5% for 20 years
Cost in 20 year(s) of what $50,000.00 buys today: $81,930.82 Purchasing power of $50,000.00 in 20 year(s), in today's money: $30,513.55 Total inflation over the period: 63.86%
Limitations and assumptions
Uses a constant rate you enter. For historical price changes use official CPI tables.
Frequently asked questions
How is inflation compounded?
Future cost = amount × (1 + rate)^years, so prices rise on top of earlier increases.
What inflation rate should I use?
Many long-run planning assumptions sit around 2 to 3 percent, but actual rates vary by year and country.
Does this use real CPI data?
No. It applies a constant rate you choose, so it is a projection rather than a historical lookup.
Why does it matter for savings?
If your savings grow slower than inflation, their buying power falls.