Inflation Calculator

Estimate future prices and purchasing power.

About this calculator

Estimate future cost and the purchasing power of unchanged cash using a constant annual inflation rate you choose. Future cost = amount × (1 + rate/100)^years; purchasing power = amount ÷ (1 + rate/100)^years. This is a fixed-rate scenario, not historical CPI data or a forecast. Negative rates model deflation; the rate must exceed −100%. Supports 0–1,000 years.

How to use the Inflation Calculator calculator

  1. Enter your amounts, rates and terms into the input fields.
  2. Read the result — it updates instantly as you type.
  3. Adjust the inputs to compare scenarios side by side.
  4. Copy the page URL to share the exact calculation.

Common examples

  • 100 at 10% annual inflation for 2 years: future cost 121; purchasing power 82.64.
  • 100 at −10% annual inflation for 2 years: future cost 81; purchasing power 123.46.

Frequently asked questions

How does the Inflation Calculator calculator work?

Enter your amounts, rates and terms, and the calculator applies the standard financial formulas to show the outcome, including intermediate figures where they help you understand the result. All arithmetic runs at high precision, so rounding errors do not build up across periods.

When would I use the Inflation Calculator calculator?

Use it when planning a purchase, loan, investment or budget, to compare options before committing, or to sanity-check figures quoted to you. It is an educational tool, not financial advice — confirm important decisions with your provider or a professional.

How accurate are the results?

The formulas are the standard ones used in finance and run at 30 significant digits internally. Real products may differ in fees, compounding conventions and rounding rules, so treat the result as a close estimate rather than a contractual figure.

Can I share a specific calculation with someone else?

Yes. Every value you enter updates the URL, so copying the address bar and sharing the link reopens the exact same calculation for whoever clicks it.