Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Inflation Calculator.
How does the inflation calculator work?
Enter an amount, a time period, and an inflation rate; it applies compound inflation to show future or historical buying power.
Is it free?
Completely free, no sign-up or limits.
Does it use real government inflation data?
No; you supply the rate yourself (a reasonable default is pre-filled), so you can model any scenario.
What formula does it use?
The standard compound growth formula, FV = PV × (1 + r)^n, applied per year.
Can I calculate backwards from a past amount to today's value?
Yes, the historical equivalence mode converts between any two years in either direction.
What if I enter a negative inflation rate?
The calculator handles deflation correctly, showing values increasing in real terms.
Does it show a year-by-year breakdown?
Yes, not just the final result — a table shows the compounding effect each year.
Can I use it for any currency?
Yes, it works with any currency since it only manipulates a numeric amount and rate.
Is my data stored?
No; everything runs in your browser and isn't stored or sent anywhere.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes, fully responsive on all screen sizes.