Enter an amount, an assumed annual inflation rate, and a number of years. The calculator shows what today's amount will effectively buy after the period, the equivalent amount you would need then, and the total price-level change. You choose the rate assumption — this tool deliberately fetches no index feed.
Formula & methodology
- Compound factor = (1 + rate/100)years
- Future purchasing power = amount ÷ factor
- Equivalent future amount = amount × factor
- Total change = (factor − 1) × 100%
Inflation compounds like interest in reverse — the same mathematics as our compound interest calculator, applied against your money's buying power.
Worked examples
- 1000 at 3% for 10 years → buys like 744.09 today; matching 1000 then needs 1343.92; prices up 34.39%.
- 2500 at 2.5% for 20 years → purchasing power 1525.68; equivalent 4096.54; prices up 63.86%.
Limits
Real inflation is measured after the fact by statistical agencies and varies by year, country, and by what you personally buy. A single flat rate is a planning assumption, not a forecast — run the calculator with low and high assumptions to see the range, and remember official indexes track an average basket that may not match your spending.