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Inflation Calculator
Enter an amount, an inflation rate and a number of years. You get the future price of the same goods and what your money will be worth by then.
Example
At 3% inflation, goods that cost $1,000 today cost $1,806.11 in 20 years. $1,000 kept in cash buys only what $553.68 buys today.
How the inflation calculator works
Inflation compounds like interest. The future cost is amount × (1 + rate)years, and the buying power of cash is the amount divided by the same factor.
A quick check is the rule of 72: divide 72 by the inflation rate to get the number of years it takes prices to double. At 3%, prices double in about 24 years.
This calculator projects forward using a rate you choose. It does not look up historical inflation for a specific country.
Common questions
What inflation rate should I use?
Many central banks aim for about 2% a year, and actual inflation is often higher or lower for long stretches. Try 2%, 3% and 5% to see a range.
How do I protect savings from inflation?
Savings keep their buying power only if they earn at least the inflation rate after tax. Compare the rate on your savings with inflation to see whether you are ahead or behind.
Why does the buying power fall so fast?
Because each year’s price rise applies to prices that have already risen. Small rates add up over decades: at 3%, money loses nearly half its buying power in 20 years.