Find what a price will be after years of inflation, how much buying power your money keeps, or the yearly inflation rate between two prices.
Last updated: November 4, 2026
Price rise and loss of buying power
Inflation measures how much prices rise over time. If the yearly rate is held constant, the formula is the same as compound interest: • Future price = today's price × (1 + rate)^years • Buying power = amount ÷ (1 + rate)^years • Yearly rate = (later price ÷ first price)^(1 ÷ years) − 1 Example: something that costs $1,000 today costs $1,000 × 1.03^10 ≈ $1,344 after 10 years at 3% inflation. The same $1,000 held for 10 years only buys what $1,000 ÷ 1.3439 ≈ $744 buys today, so the money loses about 25.6% of its value. If you know two prices (say an item cost $100 five years ago and costs $130 now), the "Inflation rate" tab finds the average yearly rise: (130 ÷ 100)^(1 ÷ 5) − 1 ≈ 5.4%. The calculator works with the fixed rate you enter. Real inflation changes from year to year and differs by what you buy; for official figures, check your country's statistics office. Results are estimates, not financial advice.
Common questions about inflation
Divide the later price by the earlier price, subtract 1 and multiply by 100. Example: a price that went from $100 to $130 means total inflation of (130 ÷ 100 − 1) × 100 = 30%.
Other tools you may find useful
Today's price or the sum you have.
Average price rise per year (use a minus for falling prices).
How many years pass (decimals allowed).