Inflation Purchasing-Power Calculator

Project how an assumed inflation rate changes future prices and today's purchasing power.

Your inputs

Your result

Enter your information and select Calculate to see the result.

How this calculator works

The estimate compounds the entered annual inflation rate. This follows the same price-index ratio concept the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics uses to compare purchasing power, but it is a projection rather than historical CPI data.

Change one assumption at a time to see which inputs have the greatest effect on the estimate.

Worked example

$100 at 3% annual inflation corresponds to about $134.39 of future cost after 10 years.

Limitations

Inflation varies over time and by spending category. A constant rate cannot predict actual CPI or an individual household's costs. Editorial review is required before publication.

Review this educational estimate against current quotes, official information, and your own budget before making a financial decision.