Inflation Calculator
Example: $100 in 2000 = $181 today (81% inflation)
Understand how inflation erodes your purchasing power over time. Calculate what today's money will be worth in the future, or what a historical amount equals in today's dollars.
Value over time
Adjusted Value
Purchasing Power
What your money can buy
Total Inflation
Value Lost to Inflation
How We Calculate This
Uses compound inflation formula. Future Value = Present Value × (1 + inflation)^years. Present Value = Future Value ÷ (1 + inflation)^years. Purchasing power is the inverse of inflation adjustment.
Methodology last reviewed: December 2024. How SparkCalc works
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average inflation rate?
US inflation has averaged about 3% since 1913. Recent years (2021-2023) saw higher inflation (6-9%). The Federal Reserve targets 2% annual inflation.
How does inflation affect my savings?
If your savings earn less than inflation, you lose purchasing power. At 3% inflation, $100,000 has the buying power of only $55,000 after 20 years.
How do I protect against inflation?
Invest in assets that historically beat inflation: stocks (7-10% real return), real estate, I-bonds, and TIPS. Avoid keeping large amounts in low-yield savings accounts.
What is the rule of 72 for inflation?
Divide 72 by the inflation rate to estimate when prices double. At 3% inflation, prices double every 24 years (72 ÷ 3 = 24).
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You might also find these calculators helpful: Compound Interest Calculator, and Retirement Calculator.
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This calculator provides estimates only. Actual results may vary. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making financial decisions.