Inflation Calculator

This calculator shows how a fixed annual inflation rate erodes the purchasing power of a set amount over time, in either direction: how much you would need in the future to match today's buying power, or what today's amount was equivalent to in the past.

FAQ

What does 'purchasing power lost' mean?

It's the percentage gap between the future amount needed to match today's buying power and today's amount — the larger the gap, the more value a fixed sum loses to rising prices over the period.

Where does the inflation rate come from?

You choose it. The calculator applies whatever constant rate you set; it does not pull live inflation data or predict what inflation will actually be.

What is the 'Rule of 72' shown here?

It's a quick estimate: dividing 72 by the inflation rate gives roughly how many years it takes for purchasing power to halve at that rate — a rounded approximation, not an exact figure.

Can I calculate past purchasing power instead of future?

Yes, switch the toggle to 'Past' to see what today's amount would have been equivalent to a number of years ago, using the same constant-rate method in reverse.

Does this predict future inflation?

No. It applies the single constant rate you choose across the whole period; real inflation varies year to year and this tool does not forecast it.

Illustration only. Not financial advice.