Inflation Calculator
See how inflation erodes purchasing power over time — what an amount today will be worth, and what things will cost, in the future.
Inflation reduces what money can buy over time. Future buying power is today’s amount divided by (1 + inflation rate) raised to the number of years. At 3% inflation, $10,000 today will have the buying power of about $5,537 in 20 years — roughly 55% of its current value — while goods costing $10,000 today would cost about $18,061.
The silent tax on idle cash
Inflation quietly erodes what your money can buy. This calculator shows both sides of that coin: how much the buying power of an amount shrinks over time, and how much more the same goods will cost in the future. It’s a useful reality check for anything held in cash.
The antidote is growth that outpaces inflation — see what steady investing can do with the compound interest calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What does inflation do to my money?
Inflation raises prices over time, so the same amount of money buys less in the future. A steady 3% inflation rate roughly halves purchasing power in about 24 years.
How is future purchasing power calculated?
We divide today's amount by (1 + inflation rate) raised to the number of years. To show future prices, we multiply by the same factor instead.
Why does inflation matter for saving and investing?
Cash sitting idle loses value to inflation every year. To preserve or grow purchasing power, your savings generally need to earn a return at least equal to the inflation rate.
What inflation rate should I use?
Many central banks target around 2–3% per year, so that's a reasonable default. Use a higher figure if you want to stress-test against periods of elevated inflation.
More free calculators
Net Worth Calculator
Assets minus liabilities, instantly.
Compound Interest Calculator
Watch your investments grow.
Loan & Mortgage Calculator
Estimate your monthly payment.
Savings Goal Calculator
Reach your target on time.
Retirement Calculator
Will you have enough?
Debt Payoff Calculator
Snowball vs. avalanche.
Budget Calculator
The 50/30/20 rule.
Currency Converter
Live mid-market rates.
Paycheck Calculator
What you actually take home.
Tip & Bill Split Calculator
Split the bill fairly.