Inflation Calculator
Last updated: July 2026
Estimate how inflation changes future prices and the purchasing power of today’s money.
Future cost of today’s amount
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- Purchasing power of today’s amount: —
- Cumulative price increase: —
- Value lost to inflation: —
On this page
Quick summary: Estimate how inflation changes future prices and the purchasing power of today’s money. Enter the requested values, calculate, review the result, and compare more than one realistic scenario before making a decision.
Read the complete guide
What this calculator does
The Inflation Calculator estimates how purchasing power or an equivalent price changes between two points under an assumed inflation rate or index change.
How to use the calculator step by step
Enter the starting amount and inflation assumptions requested by the page. Keep the period and rate consistent, and use official index data when you need historical accuracy.
How the calculation works
For a constant annual inflation rate, future equivalent value can be estimated by compounding the starting amount by one plus the inflation rate over the selected number of years.
Worked example and scenario testing
At 3% annual inflation, an item costing 100 today would cost about 115.93 after five years under a constant-rate assumption.
How to interpret your result
A higher future nominal amount may represent the same purchasing power rather than a real increase in value.
Accuracy, assumptions, and limitations
Actual inflation changes over time and differs by category. Housing, food, medical care, energy, and education can move very differently from a broad index.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not assume one inflation rate accurately represents every expense. Also distinguish nominal growth from real growth after inflation.
Privacy and browser-based calculations
Only amounts, rates, and periods are required. No personal financial information is needed.