Inflation Calculator

See how inflation changes the value of money over time — both what things will cost in the future and how much buying power your cash loses. No signup required.

Show:

18.1K

What $10,000 of goods costs in 20 years

Over time

How the cost rises with inflation

Value

Today's amount

Value

Today's amount

Future cost

18.1K

Buying power lost

4.5K

Total inflation

81%

Annual rate

18.1K

What $10,000 of goods costs in 20 years

Over time

How the cost rises with inflation

Value

Today's amount

Value

Today's amount

Show:

Future cost

18.1K

Buying power lost

4.5K

Total inflation

81%

Annual rate

What it is

This calculator shows how inflation changes the value of money over time — both how much more things will cost and how much buying power your cash loses if it isn't invested.

Switch between "future cost" and "buying power" to see both sides of the same effect.

How the math works

Future cost: Amount × (1 + inflation)^years — what today's basket of goods will cost later.
Buying power: Amount ÷ (1 + inflation)^years — what today's money will be worth in future terms.
Compounding: Inflation compounds annually, so the effect accelerates over long horizons.
Why invest: Cash loses value to inflation; investing aims to grow money faster than prices rise.

Assumptions & caveats

A single constant inflation rate is applied every year; real inflation varies.
Long-run inflation averages roughly 2–3% in many developed economies, but can spike.
This models prices only — it doesn't account for investment returns on the amount.

Frequently asked questions

Many central banks target around 2%. Long-run averages are often 2–3%, though inflation can rise much higher in some years.

Money sitting in cash loses purchasing power each year. If inflation is 3%, cash buys about 3% less after a year — which is why long-term savings are usually invested.

They're closely related. Inflation measures the average rise in prices; your personal cost-of-living change depends on what you actually buy.

Historically, diversified investments (stocks, real assets) have outpaced inflation over long periods, unlike cash. There's risk involved, so match it to your time horizon.

See inflation's impact on your real plan

selfinance shows your net worth and forecasts in inflation-adjusted terms, so you always know your real progress.

Get started

Your complete financial picture, finally in one place

Join thousands who replaced their spreadsheet juggle and four-app routine with a single, automated view of their net worth, budget, and investments.

Cancel anytime

Sselfinance

Inflation Calculator

See how inflation changes the value of money over time — both what things will cost in the future and how much buying power your cash loses. No signup required.

Show:

18.1K

What $10,000 of goods costs in 20 years

Over time

How the cost rises with inflation

Value

Today's amount

Value

Today's amount

Future cost

18.1K

Buying power lost

4.5K

Total inflation

81%

Annual rate

18.1K

What $10,000 of goods costs in 20 years

Over time

How the cost rises with inflation

Value

Today's amount

Value

Today's amount

Show:

Future cost

18.1K

Buying power lost

4.5K

Total inflation

81%

Annual rate

What it is

This calculator shows how inflation changes the value of money over time — both how much more things will cost and how much buying power your cash loses if it isn't invested.

Switch between "future cost" and "buying power" to see both sides of the same effect.

How the math works

Future cost: Amount × (1 + inflation)^years — what today's basket of goods will cost later.
Buying power: Amount ÷ (1 + inflation)^years — what today's money will be worth in future terms.
Compounding: Inflation compounds annually, so the effect accelerates over long horizons.
Why invest: Cash loses value to inflation; investing aims to grow money faster than prices rise.

Assumptions & caveats

A single constant inflation rate is applied every year; real inflation varies.
Long-run inflation averages roughly 2–3% in many developed economies, but can spike.
This models prices only — it doesn't account for investment returns on the amount.

Frequently asked questions

Many central banks target around 2%. Long-run averages are often 2–3%, though inflation can rise much higher in some years.

Money sitting in cash loses purchasing power each year. If inflation is 3%, cash buys about 3% less after a year — which is why long-term savings are usually invested.

They're closely related. Inflation measures the average rise in prices; your personal cost-of-living change depends on what you actually buy.

Historically, diversified investments (stocks, real assets) have outpaced inflation over long periods, unlike cash. There's risk involved, so match it to your time horizon.

See inflation's impact on your real plan

selfinance shows your net worth and forecasts in inflation-adjusted terms, so you always know your real progress.

Get started

Your complete financial picture, finally in one place

Join thousands who replaced their spreadsheet juggle and four-app routine with a single, automated view of their net worth, budget, and investments.

Cancel anytime

Inflation Calculator

18.1K

18.1K

What it is

How the math works

Assumptions & caveats

Frequently asked questions

What is a normal inflation rate?

How does inflation affect savings?

Is inflation the same as cost of living?

How can I beat inflation?

Your complete financial picture, finally in one place

Inflation Calculator

18.1K

18.1K

What it is

How the math works

Assumptions & caveats

Frequently asked questions

What is a normal inflation rate?

How does inflation affect savings?

Is inflation the same as cost of living?

How can I beat inflation?

Your complete financial picture, finally in one place