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    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

    3%

    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

    3%

    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.

    Keep going

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