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Inflation Calculator (2026)

Free educational estimate · Last reviewed: June 2026

See what an amount of money today would cost in the future, and how much buying power inflation quietly takes away over time. Enter an amount, an average annual inflation rate, and a number of years. Everything runs in your browser; nothing is stored or sent anywhere.

Cash, coins and a calculator on a desk, representing money and the cost of living
Real-world money tools - illustrative photo. Always verify current rates and fees with the provider.
WarningThis is a simplified educational estimate, not financial, investment, or tax advice. It assumes one steady average inflation rate every year, which never happens in real life. Actual inflation varies year to year and by spending category, and future rates are unknown. Always verify figures with official sources and consider a licensed professional for your situation.
Future cost to buy the same things
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$0
Future buying power of today's amount
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Buying power lost

Estimate updates as you type. Try a few rates to see a realistic range.

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How the inflation calculation works

To find the future equivalent cost, the rate is compounded over the years: future cost = amount × (1 + rate)years. At 3% inflation, $1,000 today would cost about $1,344 in ten years to buy the same basket of goods. To see what that $1,000 would be worth in the future in today's terms, you divide instead: future buying power = amount ÷ (1 + rate)years, which comes to roughly $744 - a loss of about 26% of its purchasing power.

Why steady-rate estimates are only a guide

This calculator applies one average rate to every year, but real inflation rises and falls and differs by category - housing, groceries, fuel, and healthcare rarely move at the same pace. Because future inflation is unknown, the most useful approach is to try several rates, such as 2%, 3%, and 5%, and look at the range rather than treating a single number as a prediction.

Common questions

What rate should I enter?

There is no single correct figure since future inflation is unknown. A long-run US average often cited is around 2 to 3 percent, but it has been both lower and much higher in different periods. Test a few rates to bracket the possibilities.

Does it account for raises or investment returns?

No. It only shows the effect of inflation on a fixed amount of cash. If your income or investments grow faster than inflation, your real buying power can still rise; if they grow slower, it falls.

Is my data saved?

No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is stored, transmitted, or shared.

Related guides → Compound Interest Calculator: see how a balance grows → Best High-Yield Savings Accounts → Savings Goal Calculator: plan a target

Method: future cost = amount times (1 plus rate) raised to the number of years; future buying power = amount divided by the same factor; buying power lost = 1 minus (buying power divided by amount). General references include published explainers from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Investopedia, and SmartAsset. Future inflation is unknown - always treat results as estimates.