Investing
Inflation Calculator
Estimate how inflation can raise future costs and reduce the buying power of your money over time.
See how today's prices may change over time and why long-term goals often need a larger target than they first appear to require.
Investing
Try the calculator
Scenario presets
Quick compare
Example
A modest inflation rate can still cut purchasing power heavily over long periods such as retirement.
Results
Future cost
$1,344
Buying power in today's dollars
$744
Inflation assumption
3.0%
Projection
Trend view
Purchasing power
Inflation compounds quietly. The future-cost line shows what today's spending target could become if prices keep climbing.
Planning cue
Read this alongside savings and retirement projections so your target is set in real, not just nominal, dollars.
This assumes a steady inflation rate, which is rarely true in real life.
How it works
What the result is showing you
These sections explain what the calculator measures, which assumptions matter most, and where the number can be misleading.
Inflation works quietly
Inflation often feels small in the short run, but over many years it can materially change what the same amount of money can buy.
Why inflation matters for investing
Your real return is what remains after inflation. If your investments grow but your cost of living rises too, the gap between the two matters more than the nominal return alone.
Use real dollars when planning
If a future target looks large in nominal dollars but weak in real purchasing power, your savings goal may need to be higher than you first assumed.
Common questions
- inflation calculator future value
- buying power calculator
- how much will prices rise in 10 years
Frequently asked questions
Why does inflation matter for retirement?
Because retirement can last decades. Even modest inflation can make the same lifestyle much more expensive over a long spending timeline.
Is 2% inflation still a safe assumption?
It may be too low for conservative planning depending on the goal. Many people test 2%, 3%, and 4% scenarios to see how sensitive the result is.
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