See how inflation erodes money over time — what today's dollars will be worth in the future, and how much you'd need to keep the same buying power.
Estimate assuming a constant annual inflation rate. Real inflation varies year to year. General information for planning only.
Inflation raises prices, so the same dollars buy less each year. At 3% inflation, money loses roughly a third of its buying power over 20 years — which is why cash sitting idle actually goes backwards, and why long-term savings usually need to be invested to keep up.
Future buying power = amount ÷ (1 + rate)ʸᵉᵃʳˢ
Central banks often target around 2%, and the long-run historical average sits near 3%. Use a higher rate to stress-test a plan against inflationary periods.
Hold assets that tend to grow at least as fast as prices — diversified investments, inflation-linked bonds, or income that rises over time. Cash alone loses ground.
Related: compound interest calculator · retirement savings calculator · savings goal calculator · all free calculators.
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Yes. The Inflation Calculator is completely free, runs in your browser, and never asks for a signup, email, or download. Enter your numbers and the result updates instantly.
It uses standard formulas and recalculates the moment you change a value, so the math is exact for the inputs you enter. Treat the result as a reliable planning estimate; for decisions with legal or tax consequences, confirm the figures with a qualified professional.
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Last reviewed: September 2026. Free to use, no signup — Inflation Calculator by ToolWise Digital.
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