Inflation Calculator
See how inflation changes the purchasing power of your money over time. Based on historical Consumer Price Index (CPI) data with forward projections using average inflation trends.
Inflation Calculator
What $100 from Each Decade is Worth Today
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About the Inflation Calculator
Inflation erodes purchasing power over time — what $100 buys today will buy less in the future. This calculator shows you how inflation affects the value of money over any time period using historical CPI data and forward-looking projections.
Quick Start Guide
- Enter starting amount — The amount of money you want to adjust for inflation.
- Set time period — How many years into the past or future do you want to calculate?
- Enter inflation rate — Use the historical average (~3%) or a specific rate for projections.
- View adjusted value — See what your money is worth in today's dollars (or future dollars).
How It Works
Uses the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for historical calculations. Future projections use the Federal Reserve's 2% target inflation rate plus recent trend data. The calculator shows both the future value of money (what $100 today will be worth) and the required future amount to match today's purchasing power.
Current Market Data
| Metric | Value | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U (Year-over-Year) | 3.1% | Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2026 |
| Core CPI (YoY) | 3.0% | Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2026 |
| Fed Inflation Target | 2.0% | Federal Reserve | 2026 |
Real-World Example
Scenario: Understanding inflation over 20 years
- Amount: $50,000 (today's value).
- Time period: 20 years.
- Inflation rate: 3.0% average.
Who Is This For?
This inflation calculator is designed for Anyone planning long-term finances, retirees concerned about purchasing power, investors evaluating real returns, and students learning about economic concepts.. It's intentionally simple — no complex signup forms, no data tracking, no distractions. Just enter your numbers and get the answer.
Pro Tip
A dollar today buys roughly half what it did 20 years ago. When planning for retirement, always account for inflation — your target number should be 2-3x higher than what you think you need.
Things to Know
Inflation is the silent tax on your savings. At 3% annual inflation, the purchasing power of $100,000 drops to about $74,000 in just 10 years. This means your retirement savings need to grow faster than inflation just to maintain your current lifestyle.
Most people underestimate inflation because they think in terms of current prices. But over a 30-year retirement, cumulative inflation of 3% per year means prices more than double. A couple spending $60,000 per year today would need roughly $145,000 per year in 30 years to maintain the same standard of living.
Real vs. nominal returns: If your investments earn 8% per year and inflation is 3%, your real return is approximately 5%. This is the number that actually matters for building wealth. Always think in terms of purchasing power, not just percentage returns.
Sources & References
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average inflation rate in the US?
The historical average inflation rate in the US is approximately 3.2% per year (1913-present). In recent years (2021-2024), rates were elevated at 3-9%. The Federal Reserve targets a 2% long-term inflation rate.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides accurate results based on the inputs you enter. The calculations follow standard financial formulas used by banks and financial institutions. Always verify critical numbers with a professional.
Can I save or print my results?
Yes! You can use your browser's print function (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P) to save or print the results. We recommend taking a screenshot for quick reference.
Is this calculator really free?
Yes, 100% free. No signup, no hidden fees, no usage limits. Use it as many times as you need.
How accurate are the results?
Results are based on standard formulas and the values you enter. They are accurate for educational and planning purposes.
How to Use
Enter an amount of money, the start year, and the end year. For historical years, the calculator uses actual CPI data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Forward projections use the average annual CPI rate from the last 10 years.
Example: $10,000 in 2000 would be worth about $18,200 in 2026 — you'd need $18,200 to maintain the same purchasing power.
How Inflation Is Calculated
The CPI (Consumer Price Index) measures the average change in prices paid by consumers. This calculator uses the annual average CPI-U published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.