Interpretation guide
How to Read the Personal Inflation Projection Table
The personal inflation projection table turns your basket and personal inflation rate into year-by-year costs. It shows direction, not certainty, so you can sanity-check ranges and compare scenarios without over-reading the decimals.
Published: December 30, 2025 · Updated: December 30, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Disclaimer
- Educational purposes only, not financial advice.
- Examples are illustrative and simplified.
- Results depend on your inputs and assumptions and are not guaranteed.
- This projection is a math model using steady assumptions, not a forecast.
- See the Privacy Policy for handling details.
Open the personal inflation basket calculator
Generate your table, save scenarios, and compare yearly costs in minutes.
Quick answer
- Each row is one year into the future based on your assumptions.
- Annual cost is your basket total rolled forward.
- Monthly equivalent is annual cost divided by 12.
- Use scenarios to compare ranges, not one exact number.
What the columns mean
| Column | What it means |
|---|---|
| Year | Year 1 is one year from now; Year 10 is ten years from now, not calendar labels. |
| Annual cost | Your basket total rolled forward using your personal inflation rate. |
| Monthly equivalent | Annual cost divided by 12 for a monthly view. |
How the personal inflation projection table is calculated
The math follows steady assumptions and applies your personal inflation rate. For a deeper look at the weighted average and annual cost calculation, see the personal inflation math guide.
It holds the rate steady for each year. That makes it easy to compare scenarios, but it is still a model, not a promise.
Mini worked example
Round numbers to keep it clear. Basket monthly total = $2,000. Personal inflation rate = 4%.
| Year | Annual cost | Monthly equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24,000 × 1.04 = $24,960 | $2,080 |
| 5 | $24,000 × 1.04^5 ≈ $29,230 | ≈ $2,436 |
Takeaway: steady 4% assumptions lift the annual and monthly equivalent projection over time. Small changes in the rate or basket will change these numbers, so compare scenarios.
How to compare scenarios with the table
Save a Base scenario, then save a High scenario. Compare Year 5 and Year 10 rows to see the range. Focus on direction and differences, not pennies. This is the easiest way to compare inflation scenarios without guessing. For a walkthrough, see the scenario comparison guide.
Avoid false precision
- Inflation varies by category and time.
- Your basket can change with life events.
- Use rounded assumptions; tiny decimals will not hold in real life.
- The table is a model, not a guarantee; round in your head if decimals distract you.
Common questions and quick fixes
- Year 1 is one year forward from your start, not “next calendar year.”
- Monthly equivalent is just annual cost divided by 12, not a separate forecast.
- The table shows amounts in your selected display currency label; it does not convert rates.
FAQ preview
What does Year 1 mean?
It is one year from your starting point, not a calendar label.
Why are there decimals?
The math creates decimals. You can round to keep the story clear.
Does the table include CPI automatically?
No. It uses your inputs and does not pull CPI.
How do I compare scenarios?
Save two scenarios and compare Year 5 and Year 10 rows side by side.
Should I use low, base, and high assumptions?
Yes. Ranges show a band of outcomes instead of one precise guess.
Can I export the table?
Use the download option in the tool to export your table.
Is this financial advice?
No. It is educational and depends on your inputs; outputs are estimates.