Free tool
Inflation calculator
Updated November 6, 2026. Runs entirely in your browser; nothing you type is sent anywhere.
Enter an amount, an annual inflation percent, and a number of years. You'll see either the future cost of the same purchase or the purchasing power of a fixed dollar amount, plus one calm sentence you can adapt. This is arithmetic only—not a CPI forecast, not investment advice, and not a substitute for a full plan.
How to use the number
- Treat it as a napkin sketch; official indexes and your actual basket will differ.
- For years-to-double growth math, see the free Rule of 72 calculator. For contributions over time, see the compound interest calculator.
- When the hard part is the raise, bill, or offer call that funds savings, use a script.
What to say when cash or pay is the bottleneck
Knowing the inflation sketch is step one. Saying the next line on a bill, raise, or offer call is where people freeze. The Bills Kit ($19) gives word-for-word lines for bill moments plus Call Mode. If pay is the lever, see the Offer Kit ($29). One-time purchase, 14-day refund on both.
Get the Bills Kit, $19 Get the Offer Kit, $29
How does this inflation sketch work?
It applies a steady annual inflation rate to an amount over a number of years. Future cost ≈ present × (1 + r)^n. Purchasing power of a fixed dollar amount ≈ present / (1 + r)^n. It assumes a flat rate and ignores taxes, fees, and real return on invested cash.
Is this a forecast of official CPI?
No. You type the annual percent. Official inflation indexes change every month and vary by basket. This is napkin math only.
Is this investment or financial advice?
No. It is simple arithmetic on the numbers you enter, plus a sample sentence you can adapt. It is not a portfolio recommendation, tax advice, or a substitute for a qualified professional.
How is this different from the Rule of 72?
Rule of 72 sketches years to double from a growth rate. This page sketches how prices or purchasing power move under a chosen inflation rate. For doubling math, see the free Rule of 72 calculator.
Guidance only, not legal, financial, or tax advice. The calculator does simple arithmetic on the numbers you enter.