Inflation Calculator
See how inflation changes the value of money — what today's amount will cost in the future, or what it's really worth after years of price rises.
For information and education only — not financial advice. Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter; check important decisions with a qualified professional.
How to use
- 1Enter an amount, an average inflation rate and the number of years.
- 2Read the future cost and the lost purchasing power.
How it's calculated
Future cost = amount × (1 + rate)^years. Purchasing power = amount ÷ (1 + rate)^years.
Frequently asked questions
What inflation rate should I use?
Central banks in the US, UK and eurozone target about 2% a year. Long-run US inflation has averaged roughly 3%. Use your country's recent CPI for short periods.
Does this use official historical CPI data?
No — it applies the average rate you enter. For exact historical comparisons, use your statistics office's CPI calculator (e.g. BLS in the US or ONS in the UK).
How does inflation affect savings?
If savings earn less than inflation, their real value falls. At 3% inflation, money loses about a quarter of its buying power in 10 years.