Inflation Calculator
Work out how inflation has changed the value of money over time or estimate future purchasing power with this free inflation calculator.
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Before you rely on this: Estimates only — not financial, tax or legal advice. Confirm current rates, fees and rules before relying on these figures.
How to use this calculator
- Enter an amount, an inflation rate and a number of years.
- Read the future cost and the buying power.
How it works
Prices compound: future cost = amount × (1 + rate)^years. The same maths in reverse shows what a future sum is worth in today's money.
Worked example
$1,000 at 3% for 10 years. Costs about $1,344 in 10 years; $1,000 then is worth ~$744 today.
Common mistakes
- Entering the rate as a decimal (0.03) instead of a percent (3).
- Confusing future cost with buying power — they move in opposite directions.
Frequently asked questions
How does inflation affect money over time?
It erodes purchasing power, so a fixed amount buys less each year. At 3% inflation, $100 has the buying power of about $74 after ten years.
How is the inflation adjustment calculated?
It compounds the inflation rate over the period, so an amount is scaled by (1 + rate) for each year between the two dates.
Is this real inflation or a forecast?
It applies the rate you enter — use a historical average or your own estimate. Real inflation varies year to year.
Related tools
- Compound Interest Calculator
- Real Rate of Return Calculator
- Future Value Calculator
- Present Value Calculator
- Savings Goal Calculator
- Doubling Time Calculator
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Cite this tool
Zerdly. (2026). Inflation Calculator. Retrieved from https://www.zerdly.com/tools/inflation-calculator/
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
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