All calculators › Inflation Calculator
Inflation Calculator
See what an amount of money today may cost after years of steady inflation.
How this calculator works
Enter an amount today, a yearly inflation rate and the number of years. The calculator grows the amount by that rate each year using compounding. It shows what you would need in the future to buy what the amount buys today. Real inflation varies from year to year, so try several rates to see a range.
Example
Something that costs $100 today, with 3% inflation for 20 years. The calculator shows: Cost In 20 Years: $180.61.
Tips
- Test a few rates, such as 2%, 3% and 4%, to see how sensitive the result is.
- Use it to check whether your retirement or savings goals keep up with rising prices.
- Remember that your savings need to earn more than inflation to grow in real purchasing power.
Common questions
What inflation rate should I use?
Use a long-run planning figure, and try a range. Actual inflation changes from year to year.
Why does the result grow so fast?
Inflation compounds, meaning each year’s increase applies to prices that already went up.
Related calculators
Results are estimates only. See our disclaimer.