Inflation Calculator
Calculate how inflation affects purchasing power over time
Enter Details
Results
Future Value
$115.93
Total Inflation
15.9%
Years
5
Purchasing Power Change
-13.7%
Inflation Tips
US inflation has averaged around 3% annually over the past century
Quick Facts
At 3% inflation, prices double approximately every 24 years
Note
Actual inflation varies by category—housing and healthcare often exceed averages
How this inflation calculator works
Calculate how inflation erodes purchasing power over time using compound annual inflation rates. Future value shows what you'd need to buy the same goods/services in the future.
- Future value = amount × (1 + rate)^years
- Purchasing power change shows percentage decrease in buying power
- Uses compound inflation (inflation on inflation)
Last updated: February 2026
Inflation calculator FAQ
What inflation rate should I use?
Historical US average is ~3%. Use 2-3% for conservative estimates, or check current CPI rates for recent trends.
How does inflation affect savings?
If your savings earn less than inflation, you lose purchasing power even as the balance grows.
Is inflation the same for everything?
No. Housing, healthcare, and education often inflate faster than general CPI averages.
Related Calculators
Explore more calculators and converters for related scenarios.
Related Trackers
Keep your progress organized with matching trackers on SimpleTrackers.io.