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Salary Raise/Negotiation Calculator

New salary from a raise, plus whether it actually outpaces inflation in real terms.

🔒 Runs entirely in your browser — nothing here is ever uploaded

Last reviewed 2026-08-30

About the Salary Raise/Negotiation Calculator

Calculates your new salary from a percentage or flat-dollar raise, then checks whether the raise actually outpaces a given inflation rate — separating a real gain in purchasing power from a nominal increase that only offsets rising prices.

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How to use it
  1. Enter your current annual salary.
  2. Choose percentage or flat-dollar raise, and enter the amount.
  3. Enter an assumed annual inflation rate.
  4. Read your new salary and whether the raise is a real gain.
Formula
New salary = current salary + raise amount. Nominal raise % = raise amount ÷ current salary × 100. Real change % = (1 + nominal % ÷ 100) ÷ (1 + inflation % ÷ 100) − 1, × 100.
Worked example

A $70,000 salary with a 4% raise against 3% assumed inflation: a real change of about +0.97%.

Interpreting your result

This is a pre-tax, gross-salary comparison. The inflation rate is an assumption you control, not a guaranteed future figure.

Recommendations
  • A raise below your inflation rate is a real pay cut even though the paycheck number went up.
  • Framing your ask in real (inflation-adjusted) terms can be more persuasive when negotiating.
  • This doesn't model a promotion's typical band-jump raise size or bonus/equity components.
Frequently asked questions
Whether it's a real gain depends on inflation over the same period.
See the full methodology and sources for every finance calculator
Disclaimer

Illustrative estimate only, not financial or tax advice. Verify figures with a licensed adviser or your local tax authority.