# Inflation & present-value calculator — no upload

> Calculate how inflation erodes value over time and find the present value of a future sum. Runs in your browser, no upload. Informational only.

See how inflation erodes purchasing power over time, and compute the present value of a future amount, from a rate and horizon you choose. It runs on your device and is intended as an illustration only.

Inflation quietly shrinks what money can buy, which is why a salary or savings goal fixed in today's dollars understates the future. This calculator makes that erosion visible and, in reverse, tells you what a future sum is worth now.

It's the counterweight to compounding: growth builds value, inflation removes it. Pair it with the Compound interest calculator and the FIRE projector, which can already factor inflation into its projections.

## How to

1. **Enter an amount.** Add the sum and the year or number of years.
2. **Set the rate.** Enter an assumed annual inflation rate.
3. **Read the result.** See the value in today's or future money.

## FAQ

### What is present value?

The value today of a sum you'll receive in the future, discounted for inflation or a required return — money later is worth less than money now.

### What inflation rate should I use?

A long-run average is often 2–3%, but you can enter any rate to match a period or forecast; the result scales directly with the rate you choose.

### Is this financial advice?

No. It's an arithmetic illustration; actual inflation varies year to year, so use it for rough comparisons rather than precise predictions.


## Related tools

- [Compound interest](https://www.safepaper.app/finance/compound-interest)
- [Retirement / FIRE](https://www.safepaper.app/finance/retirement-fire)
- [APR ⇄ APY](https://www.safepaper.app/finance/apr-apy)
- [ROI & break-even](https://www.safepaper.app/finance/roi)

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Canonical HTML: https://www.safepaper.app/finance/inflation
Markdown: https://www.safepaper.app/finance/inflation.md

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