Inflation Calculator

Calculate inflation impact

%
Yr

Note: This calculator shows how inflation reduces the purchasing power of money over time. The same amount of money will buy fewer goods and services in the future.

$179,085
Future cost
Current cost
$100,000
Inflation impact
$79,085
Future cost$179,085
Purchasing power loss44%

Your money will lose 44% of its value due to inflation

What is Inflation?

Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, causing the purchasing power of currency to fall. In simple terms, inflation means your money buys less over time.

How Inflation Affects Your Money:

The formula for calculating future cost due to inflation is: Future Value = Present Value × (1 + inflation rate)^years

  • Reduces purchasing power: The same amount of money buys fewer goods and services
  • Erodes savings: Money kept in low-interest accounts loses value over time
  • Impacts retirement planning: Future expenses will be higher than today
  • Affects investment returns: Real returns = Nominal returns - Inflation rate

Historical Inflation Rates:

  • India: Average inflation rate of 5-7% per year
  • United States: Average inflation rate of 2-3% per year
  • Global Average: Varies between 2-8% depending on the country

Why You Should Care About Inflation:

  • Retirement Planning: You need to save more to maintain your lifestyle in retirement
  • Investment Decisions: Your investments must beat inflation to grow real wealth
  • Salary Negotiations: Annual raises should at least match inflation to maintain purchasing power
  • Loan Decisions: Inflation can reduce the real burden of fixed-rate loans over time

How to Protect Against Inflation:

  • Invest in equities: Stocks historically outpace inflation over the long term
  • Real estate: Property values and rents tend to rise with inflation
  • Inflation-indexed bonds: Government bonds that adjust for inflation
  • Gold and commodities: Traditional inflation hedges
  • Diversified portfolio: Spread investments across different asset classes

Example:

If something costs 1,00,000 today and inflation is 6% per year:

  • After 5 years: 1,33,823 (33.8% increase)
  • After 10 years: 1,79,085 (79.1% increase)
  • After 20 years: 3,20,714 (220.7% increase)

This means you'll need more than 3 times the money in 20 years to buy the same thing!

💡 Pro Tip: Always factor in inflation when planning long-term financial goals. Your investment returns should exceed the inflation rate to build real wealth.

Important Disclaimer

For Educational and Informational Purposes Only: This calculator is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is designed to help you understand potential investment outcomes and should not be considered as financial, investment, tax, or legal advice.

Not Professional Advice: The calculations, results, and information provided by this tool do not constitute professional financial advice, investment recommendations, or tax guidance. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor, certified financial planner, tax consultant, or legal professional before making any investment or financial decisions.

Accuracy and Assumptions: While we strive to ensure the accuracy of our calculators, the results are based on the inputs you provide and certain assumptions. Actual returns, interest rates, tax implications, and other factors may vary significantly based on market conditions, government policies, individual circumstances, and other variables beyond our control.

No Guarantees: Past performance is not indicative of future results. The calculations provided are estimates and projections only. We make no guarantees, warranties, or representations regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information or calculations provided.

Regional Variations: Financial regulations, tax laws, interest rates, and investment rules vary significantly by country, state, and jurisdiction. The information provided may not be applicable to your specific location or circumstances. Always verify current rates, rules, and regulations with official sources or local authorities.

Tax Implications: Tax laws are complex and subject to change. The tax-related information provided is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Market Risks: All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Market conditions, economic factors, and other variables can significantly impact investment performance. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee profit or protect against loss.

Currency and Exchange Rates: Currency detection and conversion are provided for convenience only. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly and may differ from the rates used in calculations. Always verify current exchange rates with your financial institution.

Updates and Changes: Interest rates, contribution limits, tax benefits, and other financial parameters are subject to change by government authorities, regulatory bodies, and financial institutions. We recommend verifying current rates and rules with official sources before making any decisions.

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