Inflation Calculator: What a Price Will Cost in the Future
Work out what something will cost in the future once inflation has done its work — and how much purchasing power today's money quietly loses.
Adjust the inputs and select Calculate for a full breakdown.
Compare Common Scenarios
How the numbers shift across typical situations for this calculator:
| Scenario | Future cost | Price increase |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 · 3.1% · 25yr | $2,145.19 | $1,145.19 |
| $50,000 · 2.5% · 10yr | $64,004.23 | $14,004.23 |
| $100 · 4% · 30yr | $324.34 | $224.34 |
| $25,000 · 3% · 40yr | $81,550.94 | $56,550.94 |
How This Calculator Works
Enter an amount in today's money, an annual inflation rate, and a number of years. The calculator compounds the amount forward at that rate to show the future cost, and the price increase that inflation adds over the period.
The Formula
Future Value of a Lump Sum
PV = present value, r = annual rate, n = number of years
Worked Example
At a 3.1% inflation rate, something costing $1,000 today would cost about $2,145 in 25 years. The same goods more than double in price — and a dollar held as cash loses more than half its purchasing power.
Key Insight
Inflation is compound erosion. A rate that looks small over one year — around 3% — quietly halves the value of idle cash over roughly two decades, which is why money meant for the long term is usually invested rather than held.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does inflation raise future costs?
Inflation compounds: each year's prices rise on top of the previous year's higher prices. Over decades, even a modest rate produces a large cumulative increase.
What inflation rate should I use?
The cited benchmark shows recent inflation. For a long projection, many people use a long-run average of around 2% to 3% rather than the latest single figure.
What does this mean for cash savings?
Cash that earns less than inflation loses purchasing power every year. The future cost shown here is also how much more you would need just to stand still.
Is this how official inflation is measured?
Official inflation tracks a basket of goods through a price index. This calculator applies one steady rate, which is a simplified projection of that idea.
How do I protect against inflation?
Holding assets that tend to grow at or above inflation — such as diversified investments — preserves purchasing power better than cash over long periods.
Related Calculators
Data Sources & Benchmarks
This calculator draws on 2 independent, dated sources. The starting values for inflation rate are taken from the benchmarks below and refresh whenever the snapshots are updated.
Methodology & Review
The future cost compounds today's amount annually at a fixed inflation rate. The model assumes a constant rate; real inflation varies year to year, so treat the result as a steady-rate projection.
Written by Ugo Candido · Last updated May 17, 2026.