Inflation Calculator
See how inflation affects purchasing power over time. Calculate what money from the past is worth today, or project future values.
Calculate Inflation Impact
$
%
Historical average: ~3%
Inflation Results
Equivalent Value
$0
Purchasing Power Change
0%
Cumulative Inflation
0%
Average Annual Inflation
0%
What You Could Buy
Historical US Inflation Rates
| Decade | Average Rate |
|---|---|
| 2020s | ~4.5% |
| 2010s | ~1.8% |
| 2000s | ~2.5% |
| 1990s | ~3.0% |
| 1980s | ~5.5% |
| 1970s | ~7.4% |
What is Inflation?
Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, causing purchasing power to fall. At 3% annual inflation, $100 today will only buy what $97 bought last year.
Protecting Against Inflation
- Invest in stocks: Historically outpace inflation
- I Bonds/TIPS: Government bonds indexed to inflation
- Real estate: Often appreciates with inflation
- Negotiate raises: Keep income growing with costs