How to use the inflation calculator
- Choose what to work out: the future cost of something, or what a future amount is worth in today's money.
- Enter the amount and the number of years.
- Pick an inflation rate. The buttons fill typical rates you can adjust.
- Read the result, the price increase, the buying power lost and how fast prices double.
The inflation formulas
today's value = future amount ÷ (1 + inflation)years
Example
At 3 % inflation, a $1,000 bill today will cost about $1,344 in 10 years. Seen the other way, $1,000 received in 10 years buys only what $744 buys today: a 26 % loss of buying power. At 3 % prices double about every 23 years.
What inflation does to retirement plans
| $50,000 a year of spending today | In 20 years at 2.5 % | At 3.5 % |
|---|---|---|
| Same lifestyle costs | $81,931 | $99,489 |
That is why the retirement and FIRE calculators on this site work in today's money and use a return after inflation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average US inflation rate?
About 3 % a year since 1926, measured by the consumer price index (CPI-U). The Federal Reserve targets 2 % over the long run.
How do I protect savings from inflation?
Cash usually loses to inflation over time. Stocks have beaten it over long periods, and I bonds and TIPS are designed to follow it.
What is a real return?
Your return after inflation: (1 + return) ÷ (1 + inflation) − 1. A 7 % return with 3 % inflation is a real return of about 3.9 %.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index (CPI-U); Federal Reserve, Statement on Longer-Run Goals. Illustrations only.
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Last reviewed: 2026-11-14. Results are estimates based on the returns you enter, not advice. See our disclaimer.