Inflation Calculator
Calculate how inflation affects purchasing power over time. See what your money will be worth in the future or what past prices equal today.
Future Purchasing Power
$74.41
Original Amount
$100.00
Purchasing Power Lost
$25.59
$100.00 Purchasing Power at Different Rates (10yr)
2% inflation$82.03
3% inflation$74.41
4% inflation$67.56
5% inflation$61.39
6% inflation$55.84
8% inflation$46.32
10% inflation$38.55
Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Year | Purchasing Power |
|---|---|
| 1 | $97.09 |
| 2 | $94.26 |
| 3 | $91.51 |
| 4 | $88.85 |
| 5 | $86.26 |
| 6 | $83.75 |
| 7 | $81.31 |
| 8 | $78.94 |
| 9 | $76.64 |
| 10 | $74.41 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average inflation rate?+
US historical average inflation is about 3% per year. Recent years have seen higher rates (2022: 8%, 2023: 4.1%, 2024: 2.9%). The Federal Reserve targets 2% annual inflation.
How does inflation affect savings?+
If inflation is 3% and your savings earn 1%, you lose 2% purchasing power per year. $100,000 in a 1% account with 3% inflation will have the buying power of ~$82,000 after 10 years.
How is purchasing power calculated?+
Future purchasing power = Amount ÷ (1 + rate)^years. So $100 at 3% inflation for 10 years: $100 ÷ 1.03^10 = $74.41. Your $100 will only buy what $74.41 buys today.