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- Shows what something that costs a set amount today will cost in the future.
- Shows how much buying power your money loses over time.
- Uses your own average inflation rate, so it never goes out of date.
- Gives a year-by-year table and the years for prices to double.
How to use the inflation calculator
Choose what to find
Future cost, future buying power, or the value of a future amount in today’s money.
Enter the amount
For example $100.
Enter the inflation rate and years
For example 3% a year for 10 years.
Read the result
See the future cost, buying power and total price increase.
How inflation is calculated
Inflation compounds like interest, but against you. Each year prices rise by the inflation rate, so the same money buys a little less. Over many years the effect is large.
Inflation formulas
Future cost = today’s price × (1 + inflation)^years
Buying power = amount ÷ (1 + inflation)^years
Buying power lost = 1 − 1 ÷ (1 + inflation)^years
Example 1: $100 at 3% for 10 years
Steady 3% inflation.
- Future cost $134.39
- Future buying power of $100 $74.41
- Buying power lost 25.59%
- Years for prices to double 23.4 years
Example 2: $1,000,000 in 30 years
At 3% inflation.
- Worth in today’s money $411,986.76
Worth remembering when you set a retirement target.
Why the inflation calculator matters
Retirement planning
See what your savings will really buy later.
Salary and raises
Check if a raise beats inflation.
Cash savings
See how much idle cash loses each year.
Budgeting
Estimate future costs of school, rent or a home.
Check if a savings rate beats inflation with the APY calculator, or plan retirement income with the 4% rule calculator.
Inflation calculator FAQ
How does inflation affect money?
It raises prices over time, so each dollar buys less in the future.
What will $100 be worth in 10 years at 3% inflation?
It will buy about $74.41 of today’s goods, and things that cost $100 now will cost about $134.39.
What inflation rate should I use?
Many central banks target about 2%. Long-term averages are often around 3%. Use your own estimate.
How long does it take prices to double?
At 3% inflation, about 23.4 years. You can also use the rule of 72: 72 ÷ 3 = 24 years.
Does this use official CPI data?
No. It uses the steady rate you enter, so you can model any scenario.
How can I protect money from inflation?
Look for savings or investments that earn more than the inflation rate after tax.