How to use it
- Type your Current salary, using the same period as the inflation rate.
- On Raises, one per line, write each raise: a percentage such as 8%, or an amount such as 1500.
- Type the Inflation over the same period to see the change in real terms, or leave it empty.
- Read the New salary, the Total raise and, with inflation, the Real change after inflation.
How the new salary is calculated
Each raise is applied to the salary that is current at that point. A percentage multiplies it by one plus the percentage, and an amount is added. Because each percentage is taken from the salary after the one before, two raises of 10% give 1.21 times the start, not 1.20.
The total raise is the new salary minus the start, and its percentage is measured against the start.
After a percentage raise p: salary × (1 + p)
After an amount a: salary + a
Total raise % = new salary ÷ current salary − 1- From 50,000 with 8%, the salary is 54,000; then 1,500 more gives 55,500, a total raise of 11%.
- A raise of 10% followed by 10% on 100 gives 110 and then 121.
Real change after inflation
A raise of 11% is worth less if prices rose by 3% over the same period. The real change compares the two: (1 + 0.11) ÷ (1 + 0.03) − 1 = 7.77%. This is the exact form of the rule that the real rate is roughly the nominal rate minus inflation, which is close when both are small.
The new salary in today's money divides the salary by one plus inflation. It shows how much the new salary buys compared with the start.
What this calculator does not include
- Taxes, social security contributions and other deductions, which change the amount you take home.
- Bonuses, allowances and benefits that come with a raise.
- Inflation that differs between the things you buy. Your own spending pattern can make the real change larger or smaller.
Worked example: 50,000 with 8% and then 1,500, at 3% inflation
The 8% raise gives 50,000 × 1.08 = 54,000. The amount of 1,500 gives 55,500. The total raise is 5,500, which is 11% of the start.
The real change is 1.11 ÷ 1.03 − 1 = 7.77%. The new salary is worth 55,500 ÷ 1.03 = 53,883.50 in the money of the start.
| Figure | |
|---|---|
| New salary | 55,500.00 |
| Total raise | 5,500.00 (11%) |
| Real change after 3% inflation | 7.77% |
| New salary in today's money | 53,883.50 |
Frequently asked questions
Is a raise of 5% enough to keep up with inflation?
It depends on the inflation over the same period. A 5% raise against 5% inflation leaves the real change at zero; against 7% inflation the real change is about minus 1.9%.
Should I enter the raise before or after taxes?
Enter the gross figures for both. Taxes apply to the new salary in the same way, so the percentages stay comparable.
What is the difference between a percentage and an amount?
A percentage is applied to the salary at that point, so it grows with it. An amount is the same whatever the salary is, so over several raises a percentage gives a larger total.
Which inflation rate should I use?
Use the official consumer price rise for the period your raises cover, from your country's statistics office, or a rate you expect for your own spending.
Is my salary sent to a server?
No. The calculation runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent to us.
Sources
Figures and text last checked on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.