How to calculate the effect of inflation
- Choose future cost or today's value.
- Enter the amount, your inflation rate and the number of years.
- Read the answer, the formula and the year-by-year table.
Examples
₹1,00,000 of spending today, at 6% inflation for 10 years, will cost ₹1,79,084.77.
₹1 crore received 20 years from now, at 6% inflation, is worth ₹31,18,047.27 in today's money.
A school fee of ₹1,50,000 a year that rises 10% a year will be ₹2,41,576.50 in 5 years.
About this tool
Inflation means the same rupees buy less each year. Enter an amount, the yearly inflation rate you expect and the number of years. Work forwards to see what today's purchase will cost then, or backwards to see what a future sum, such as a maturity amount, is worth in today's money. A year-by-year table and the formula are shown. You choose the rate, and nothing is filled in from past data.
Common questions
What is the formula?
Future cost = amount x (1 + rate)^years. Value today = amount / (1 + rate)^years. At 6% for 10 years the factor is 1.7908.
What inflation rate should I use?
Your own estimate for what you're planning. For context, the RBI's target for consumer price inflation is 4%, within a band of 2% to 6%, for April 2026 to March 2031. It's a target, not a forecast, and costs such as school fees or medical care can rise at a different pace.
Why doesn't the page use past inflation figures?
Past rates don't tell you the future, and one average would hide big swings. Typing your own rate keeps the assumption in plain sight.
Can I use it for prices that fall?
Yes. Enter a negative rate, such as -2, for something that gets cheaper each year.
Is it free to use?
Yes. There's no sign-up, and you can use it as often as you like.
Is my text uploaded anywhere?
No. This tool runs inside your browser, so what you enter stays on your device.
Do I need to install anything?
No. It works in your browser on a computer or a phone.