Inflation Calculator
Calculate the effect of inflation on purchasing power. See how much a past amount is worth today, or project future value. Uses CPI-based inflation rates.
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0%US avg ~3%20%
Frequently asked
questions
Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises over time, reducing purchasing power. If inflation is 3% per year, something that costs $100 today will cost $103 next year.
For US dollars, the average CPI (Consumer Price Index) inflation rate has been approximately 3% per year historically. For recent years (2020–2023) it was higher (5–8%). You can enter a custom rate to model different scenarios.
Nominal value is the face value in current dollars. Real value is adjusted for inflation — it measures purchasing power. $100 in 1990 had the same nominal value but much higher real value (purchasing power) than $100 today.