Inflation Calculator
Estimate how prices change over time. Use Forward for future value, or Backward for past comparisons. In Backward mode, you can choose the exact question to avoid confusion. Results update instantly as you type.
Methodology: deterministic formulas based on your inputs only. No account data, no external rates, and no personalized advice.
Last updated:
Results
Compare Scenarios
Save your current inputs and compare Current + up to 2 saved scenarios.
Note: Saved scenarios are stored locally in your browser.
No saved scenarios yet.
| Compare | Scenario | Saved | Actions |
|---|
Compare
Select up to 2 saved scenarios to compare with Current.
Year-by-year breakdown
| Year | Nominal | Real (Today’s Money) | Inflation Factor |
|---|
What this inflation calculator helps you answer
This tool helps you translate money values across time using an assumed annual inflation rate. You can estimate future value erosion or reverse the question to compare past and present purchasing power.
It is useful for planning salary targets, long-term budgets, and setting realistic savings goals in today’s-money terms.
Forward and backward modes explained
In forward mode, the calculator projects how inflation changes the buying power of today’s amount over future years. In backward mode, it can answer either “what this costs in today’s money” or “what this would have cost in the past.”
Choosing the right question direction matters because the same amount can map to very different values depending on time direction.
How to read nominal, real, and inflation factor
Nominal values are raw amounts in that future/past period. Real values convert those amounts into today’s purchasing power so you can compare like-for-like.
The inflation factor shows cumulative price growth. For example, a factor of 1.50 means prices are modeled as 50% higher than the starting period.
Limitations and best-practice use
This model assumes a constant average inflation rate. Real inflation changes over time and can vary across categories like housing, healthcare, education, and energy.
Use this as a planning baseline, then run multiple scenarios (for example low/base/high inflation) to understand your risk range.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the past value sometimes look smaller?
It depends on the question. “Past price of today’s amount” is usually smaller (things were cheaper). “Today’s equivalent of a past amount” is usually larger (today’s prices are higher).
Does currency convert exchange rates?
No. Currency selection changes formatting only and does not fetch exchange rates.