Inflation Calculator
Find out how much a sum of money will be worth, and what it will cost to buy the same goods, after years of inflation.
%
years
What today's goods will cost after inflation.
744.09
255.91
Formula
Examples
| Input | Result |
|---|---|
| $1,000 at 3% inflation for 10 years | Future cost ≈ $1,343.92, purchasing power ≈ $744.09 |
About this calculator
Inflation is the gradual rise in the general price level, which means each unit of currency buys fewer goods over time. This calculator shows two complementary views: the future cost of buying today's basket of goods, and the future purchasing power of an amount of money held without earning a return.
The future cost grows by compounding the inflation rate, while purchasing power shrinks by the same factor. Comparing the two highlights why simply holding cash loses real value, and why investments generally need to outpace inflation to preserve and grow your wealth.
Frequently asked questions
Future cost is how much more you will pay for the same goods later. Purchasing power is how much value today's money retains in the future if it earns no return.
Many developed economies target around 2-3% per year. Use a historical average or your country's reported figure for a realistic estimate.
Holding assets that tend to grow at least as fast as inflation, such as diversified investments, helps preserve real purchasing power compared with holding cash.
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