Inflation Calculator
Free inflation calculator. See how inflation erodes purchasing power over time. Calculate future equivalent values and real returns.
$
years
%
$744.09
in 10 years
$255.91
-25.59%
$1,343.92
needed for same buying power
$30.00
per year at 3%
What This Means
$1,000.00 today will only buy $744.09 worth of goods in 10 years at 3% annual inflation. To maintain the same purchasing power, you would need $1,343.92.
Year-by-Year Projection
| Year | Purchasing Power | Loss | Equivalent Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $970.87 | -2.91% | $1,030.00 |
| 2 | $942.60 | -5.74% | $1,060.90 |
| 3 | $915.14 | -8.49% | $1,092.73 |
| 4 | $888.49 | -11.15% | $1,125.51 |
| 5 | $862.61 | -13.74% | $1,159.27 |
| 6 | $837.48 | -16.25% | $1,194.05 |
| 7 | $813.09 | -18.69% | $1,229.87 |
| 8 | $789.41 | -21.06% | $1,266.77 |
| 9 | $766.42 | -23.36% | $1,304.77 |
| 10 | $744.09 | -25.59% | $1,343.92 |
Inflation Scenarios (10 years)
| Scenario | Rate | Purchasing Power | Value Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Inflation | 2% | $820.35 | -$179.65 |
| Moderate Inflation | 3% | $744.09 | -$255.91 |
| High Inflation | 5% | $613.91 | -$386.09 |
| Very High Inflation | 8% | $463.19 | -$536.81 |
| Hyperinflation | 15% | $247.18 | -$752.82 |
Inflation Formulas
Future Value: FV = PV × (1 + r)ⁿ
Purchasing Power: PP = PV / (1 + r)ⁿ
Real Return: (1 + nominal) / (1 + inflation) - 1
Where PV = present value, r = inflation rate, n = years
Beating Inflation
- Invest in assets that historically outpace inflation (stocks, real estate)
- Consider Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)
- Avoid keeping large amounts in low-yield savings accounts
- Factor inflation into retirement planning calculations
- Review and adjust investment strategies regularly
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