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Financial Health

Inflation Calculator

See what today’s money will actually be worth years from now. Inflation quietly erodes buying power — this shows how much, and why savings need to outpace it.

The numbers

See how inflation erodes buying power over time.

%

Long-run U.S. average ~3%

years

In 20 years

What $50,000 will feel like

$27,684

in today's money — inflation quietly erodes $22,316 of buying power.

Today’s amount

$50,000

Real value in the future

$27,684

To keep the same buying power

$90,306

This is why cash loses value over time and why long-term savings need to earn more than inflation to grow in real terms.

The silent tax on cash

Inflation doesn't take money out of your account — it quietly reduces what that money can buy. Over a decade or two the effect is large. Enter an amount and a time horizon to see its real, inflation-adjusted value.

Why savings have to grow

If your savings earn less than the inflation rate, you're losing ground in real terms even as the balance rises. That's the case for putting long-term money to work rather than leaving it idle.

Stay ahead of it

See how investments can outrun inflation with the compound interest calculator, estimate doubling time with the Rule of 72, and factor rising costs into your retirement plan.

Related calculators

Compound Interest CalculatorWatch a lump sum and monthly deposits snowball over the years.Rule of 72 CalculatorRoughly how many years it takes your money to double.Retirement CalculatorAre you on track? Project your nest egg to retirement age.Net Worth CalculatorAssets minus liabilities — your single clearest money number.

Frequently asked questions

How does inflation affect my money?
Inflation raises prices over time, so the same dollar buys less. At 3% annual inflation, something that costs $100 today costs about $134 in ten years — which means $100 stashed under a mattress would only buy about $74 worth of goods.
What is the average inflation rate?
Long-run U.S. inflation has averaged roughly 3% a year, though individual years swing well above or below. Central banks often target around 2%. Use a rate that reflects your planning horizon.
How do I protect against inflation?
Keep long-term money in assets that historically outpace inflation — stocks, real estate, and inflation-protected bonds — rather than idle cash. For short-term needs, a high-yield savings account at least softens the erosion.