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Inflation Calculator
Estimate what a purchase that costs a certain amount today could cost after several years of inflation.
Reviewed 18 September 2026
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Estimate of the future cost of the same purchase, assuming a constant annual inflation rate. This is an illustration, not an inflation forecast.
What this estimate shows
The result shows the estimated future cost, today’s cost and the increase attributed to the assumed inflation rate.
How the calculation works
The calculator compounds the chosen annual inflation rate once a year over the selected period.
Before you rely on the result
Inflation varies across time and spending categories. Education, healthcare, housing and food may rise at rates that differ from a broad inflation measure.
Common questions
Is this an inflation forecast?
No. The rate is your assumption, used to explore possible future costs.
Which rate should I enter?
Test a range, including a cautious higher rate, instead of relying on one figure.
Does the tool adjust investment returns?
No. It only estimates a future cost; compare that result separately with your savings plan.
Formula, assumptions and example
Formula: Future cost = Current cost × (1 + i)^n, where i is the assumed annual inflation rate and n is the number of years.
Worked example: An expense of ₹1 lakh today would cost about ₹1.79 lakh after 10 years at an assumed 6% annual inflation rate.
- The assumed inflation rate stays constant only for calculation.
- Actual inflation changes over time and differs by spending category.
- The result does not forecast prices or calculate investment returns.
Official reference: MoSPI Consumer Price Index portal, which explains and publishes India’s CPI data.
Methodology maintained by K N Krishna, founder and editor of Indian Decode. Last checked 18 September 2026.
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