Inflation Calculator
See how inflation erodes purchasing power over time. Calculate what money was worth in the past or what it will be worth in the future.
Quick Answer
This inflation calculator shows how inflation erodes purchasing power over time. Enter an amount and period to see its past or future value adjusted for inflation rates.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the dollar amount you want to adjust for inflation. Choose whether to see what that amount was worth in the past (past purchasing power) or its future equivalent (future value). Enter the target year and adjust the annual inflation rate if desired. The historical average US inflation rate is about 3% per year. This inflation calculator shows the adjusted amount and a complete year-by-year purchasing power breakdown so you can see how the cost of living changes over time.
How Inflation Affects Your Purchasing Power
Inflation is the gradual increase in prices of goods and services, reducing purchasing power over time. Central banks target around 2% annual inflation. At 3% inflation, $100 today will have the purchasing power of about $74 in 10 years. Use this future value calculator to understand how inflation affects savings, retirement planning, and long-term investment decisions. Understanding the real inflation rate helps you make informed financial plans that maintain their value over time.
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