Inflation calculator
See how a steady inflation rate changes prices and the value of money over time.
Result
Result: US$134.39
- Change
- US$34.39
- Cumulative inflation
- ≈ 34.3916%
How it works
Inflation compounds like interest. Something that costs A today will cost A × (1 + rate)^years if prices rise at a steady rate. In the other direction, an amount received in the future is worth A ÷ (1 + rate)^years in today’s money.
Real inflation varies from year to year and differs between countries and between goods. This calculator uses one average rate that you choose; for historical figures, use your national statistics office’s price index.
Formula
Future cost = A × (1 + rate ÷ 100)^years Today’s value = A ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100)^years Cumulative inflation = (1 + rate ÷ 100)^years − 1
Worked example
At 3% a year, something costing 100 today costs 100 × 1.03¹⁰ = 134.39 in 10 years, cumulative inflation of 34.39%. In purchasing-power terms, 100 in 10 years is worth 74.41 today.
Questions people ask
Can I enter a negative rate?
Yes, down to −50%. A negative rate means deflation: prices fall and money gains purchasing power.
Why not use official CPI data?
Price indexes are published by each country and revised over time. We let you enter the rate so the result never relies on out-of-date figures.