Inflation Calculator
See how inflation changes purchasing power over time — and the difference between nominal dollars and real value in today's money.
What this calculator shows
It compares two views of the same amount: how much you would need in the future to match today's money, and what that money would be worth in today's purchasing power. The inflation rate is an assumption, not a forecast.
Inputs
Adjust the assumptions and watch the results update instantly.
An amount in today's money.
Assumed average yearly inflation.
How far into the future to look.
Share or bookmark this scenario.
Results
The same amount, seen as a future cost and as real value in today's money.
Future cost
$18,061
Nominal dollars needed later.
Today's purchasing power
$5,537
Real value in today's money.
Purchasing power lost
$4,463
Value lost to inflation.
Cumulative price increase
80.6%
Higher future cost.
Purchasing power over time
How the real value of the same nominal amount declines as prices rise.
Future cost over time
How much you would need in the future to match today's amount.
Insights
What the numbers mean — and why inflation sits behind every long-term decision.
Future cost
At 3% inflation, $10,000 today requires about $18,061 in 20 years to keep the same purchasing power.
Purchasing power
The same $10,000 in 20 years has about $5,537 of today's purchasing power.
Inflation compounds
Inflation compounds. A small annual rate can create a large long-term difference.
Why real returns matter
This is why long-term investing often focuses on real returns, not only nominal returns.
Year-by-year breakdown
The future cost, real value, and lost purchasing power for the same amount each year.
| Year | Future cost | Purchasing power | Power lost | Cumulative impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10,300 | $9,709 | $291 | 3% |
| 2 | $10,609 | $9,426 | $574 | 6.1% |
| 3 | $10,927 | $9,151 | $849 | 9.3% |
| 4 | $11,255 | $8,885 | $1,115 | 12.6% |
| 5 | $11,593 | $8,626 | $1,374 | 15.9% |
| 6 | $11,941 | $8,375 | $1,625 | 19.4% |
| 7 | $12,299 | $8,131 | $1,869 | 23% |
| 8 | $12,668 | $7,894 | $2,106 | 26.7% |
| 9 | $13,048 | $7,664 | $2,336 | 30.5% |
| 10 | $13,439 | $7,441 | $2,559 | 34.4% |
| 11 | $13,842 | $7,224 | $2,776 | 38.4% |
| 12 | $14,258 | $7,014 | $2,986 | 42.6% |
| 13 | $14,685 | $6,810 | $3,190 | 46.9% |
| 14 | $15,126 | $6,611 | $3,389 | 51.3% |
| 15 | $15,580 | $6,419 | $3,581 | 55.8% |
| 16 | $16,047 | $6,232 | $3,768 | 60.5% |
| 17 | $16,528 | $6,050 | $3,950 | 65.3% |
| 18 | $17,024 | $5,874 | $4,126 | 70.2% |
| 19 | $17,535 | $5,703 | $4,297 | 75.4% |
| 20 | $18,061 | $5,537 | $4,463 | 80.6% |
How this calculator works
This is an educational model, not a forecast. It applies a steady annual inflation rate that compounds each year, in today's dollars.
What inflation means
Inflation is the gradual rise in prices, which means each dollar buys a little less over time.
What purchasing power means
Purchasing power is what your money can actually buy — not the number on it, but what it's worth in real terms.
Nominal vs. real dollars
Nominal dollars are the face value. Real dollars adjust for inflation so you can compare value across time.
Why inflation compounds
Each year's inflation builds on the last, so a steady rate adds up to a large difference over long periods.
Why real returns matter
An investment return is more meaningful after inflation. Real return is what actually grows your purchasing power.
This is not a forecast
The inflation rate is an assumption you choose. Real inflation varies year to year and cannot be predicted here.
Keep going
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Educational use only
Educational purposes only. Calculator results are estimates based on assumptions and user inputs. They are not financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.