Tool: Inflation calculator · Embed · All how-we-calculate pages · Questions
Purpose
Estimate how a constant average annual inflation rate would change a dollar amount over a whole number of years. Educational only.
Formulas
- Future cost:
amount × (1 + r)^n - Past value:
amount ÷ (1 + r)^n - Total percent change:
(result − amount) / amount × 100
r is the average annual rate you type (as a decimal); n is whole years.
What we intentionally leave out
- Year-by-year official CPI series lookup
- Category-specific baskets (food, shelter, energy, etc.)
- Seasonal adjustment, chained indexes, or regional CPI variants
- Forecasts of future inflation
Official U.S. statistics
For published Consumer Price Index data, use the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI pages.
Last reviewed: August 9, 2026.
YMYL notice: This site is for education only. It is not financial, tax, or investment advice. Nestfigure is not a bank, credit union, broker, investment adviser, or fiduciary. Product terms, rates, and penalties vary—always read your institution’s disclosures before acting. Calculator results are mathematical estimates, not bank quotes.