Inflation Calculator
Enter an amount, an average yearly inflation rate and a number of years. You get the future cost of something that costs that amount today, and the value of that amount in today’s money. The rate is your own assumption: no CPI data is used.
Last updated November 4, 2026
Your own assumption. Real inflation varies year to year.
Result
$1,343.92
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Future cost of what costs this today | $1,343.92 |
| Value of this amount in today’s money | $744.09 |
| Total price change | 34.39% |
| Purchasing power change | -25.59% |
Uses the rate you enter as a constant yearly average. It does not use CPI data, and actual inflation varies.
Show the work
Formula: future cost = amount x (1 + rate)^years
- Price factor: (1 + 0.03)^10 = 1.343916.
- Future cost: 1,000 x 1.343916 = $1,343.92.
Result: $1,343.92
How inflation is compounded
future cost = amount × (1 + rate)^years
value in today’s money = amount ÷ (1 + rate)^years
Prices are assumed to rise by the same percentage each year, so the effect compounds like interest. The factor (1 + rate)^years is how many times larger prices become. A negative rate models deflation, and a rate of 0 leaves every figure unchanged.
At 3 percent for 10 years the factor is 1.03^10 = 1.343916. Something that costs 1,000 today costs 1,343.92 then, and 1,000 at that point buys what 744.09 buys now.
See how we calculate for the formulas, sources and review schedule behind every calculator.
About the rate you enter
This calculator does not look up official price indexes. Actual inflation changes from year to year and differs between goods, so a single average is a planning assumption, not a forecast. Try a few rates to see a range.
General information, not financial advice
This calculator gives a general estimate from the numbers you enter. It is not financial or tax advice, and your actual results can differ. Check important decisions with a qualified professional or the official source.
How to use the Inflation Calculator
- Choose whether to find the future cost or the purchasing power.
- Enter the amount in today’s dollars.
- Enter your average annual inflation rate, negative for deflation.
- Enter the number of years.
- Read the result, then use Copy, Print or Share.
Worked example
At 3 percent average inflation, 1,000 today costs 1,343.92 after 10 years, and 1,000 received then is worth 744.09 in today’s money.
| Years | Future cost | Value in today’s money | Total price change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1,159.27 | 862.61 | 15.93% |
| 10 | 1,343.92 | 744.09 | 34.39% |
| 20 | 1,806.11 | 553.68 | 80.61% |
| 30 | 2,427.26 | 411.99 | 142.73% |
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the future cost of something with inflation?
Multiply today’s price by (1 + rate) raised to the number of years. At 3 percent for 10 years, 1,000 becomes 1,343.92.
What inflation rate should I use?
Pick an average that suits your plan and test a few. Actual yearly inflation varies, so this tool takes your rate instead of historical data.
What does purchasing power mean?
It is what an amount can buy. When prices rise, the same amount buys less, so a future sum is divided by the price factor to compare it with today’s money.
Can I enter a negative rate?
Yes. A negative rate models deflation, where prices fall and money buys more over time. The allowed range is -50 to 100 percent.