Inflation Calculator
Enter an amount, an inflation rate and a number of years to see both sides of inflation: what things will cost, and what your money will still buy.
Two ways to read inflation
- Future cost — what today's amount of goods will cost later: amount × (1 + rate)years.
- Purchasing power — what today's cash will be worth later: amount ÷ (1 + rate)years.
At 3% inflation, prices double roughly every 24 years — the "rule of 72" (72 ÷ rate ≈ doubling time) gives a quick estimate at any rate.
Frequently asked questions
What rate should I use?
Many central banks target 2%; the long-run US average is close to 3%. Use a higher figure for categories that outpace general inflation, like healthcare, rent or college tuition.
Why does cash lose value if the number stays the same?
Inflation raises prices, not your balance. 1,000 kept in a drawer for 10 years at 3% inflation still reads 1,000 — but it buys what about 744 buys today.
How do I protect savings from inflation?
Earn a return at or above the inflation rate — high-yield savings, inflation-linked bonds, or long-term diversified investing. What matters is the real return: rate earned minus inflation.
Last updated: 2026-07-13