Free Online Inflation Calculator
See how inflation changes the value of money over time.
Future cost shows what the same basket of goods would cost in the end year. Purchasing power shows what the original amount would be worth in end-year money.
Year-by-year value
| Year | Cost of the same goods | Value of your money |
|---|
About the Inflation Calculator
Inflation is the gradual rise in the price of goods and services. It means a fixed amount of money buys less over time, even though the number on the banknote never changes. This calculator shows both sides of that effect: how much more the same items could cost in a later year, and how much purchasing power a fixed amount loses between two years.
How the numbers are calculated
The future cost is the starting amount multiplied by (1 + rate)years. If you enter $1,000, a 3% rate, and a ten-year gap, the same goods would cost about $1,344. Purchasing power works the other way: the starting amount is divided by the same growth factor, so $1,000 in the later year is worth roughly $744 in start-year money. The total inflation figure is the cumulative percentage change over the whole period, not the annual rate.
A constant average rate is a simplification. Real inflation varies every year and differs across categories: food, rent, healthcare, and electronics do not move together. The long-run average presets are useful for long-horizon planning, while a custom rate lets you test a specific scenario. The model also compounds annually, which matches how most published inflation indices are reported.
Frequently asked questions
Can I compare non-consecutive years?
Yes. Any start and end year in the supported range works, including a gap of several decades. The calculator uses the average rate you choose across that whole period.
What is a realistic inflation rate?
Many central banks target around 2%, while long-run averages in some countries have been closer to 3–4%. The right assumption depends on your country and time horizon, so test a range rather than relying on one number.
Does this show official CPI data?
No. It is a projection based on the rate you enter, not a historical index lookup. For official statistics, use your national statistics agency or central bank data.