Inflation calculator
What your money will really be worth in X years.
- Instant
- Free
- Private (processed locally)
- No sign-up
The silent thief of your savings
Inflation never shows on the bank statement — the number does not move — but it shows at the supermarket. This tool makes the erosion tangible in three sliders: what your money will really be worth, the amount needed to compensate, and the loss as a percentage.
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Enter the amount
Savings, salary, rent, budget — any amount you want to project.
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Pick the scenario
2-2.5% for the central-bank normal, more to stress-test crises.
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Set the horizon
From 1 to 50 years: the compound effect becomes dramatic beyond 10 years.
The erosion of $10,000 at 2.5%/year
| Horizon | Real purchasing power | Loss |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | $8,839 | −11.6% |
| 10 years | $7,812 | −21.9% |
| 20 years | $6,103 | −39.0% |
| 30 years | $4,767 | −52.3% |
The defense is not to spend, but to invest: a return equal to inflation preserves purchasing power, a higher one grows it. Our compound interest calculator runs the opposite projection.
Frequently asked questions
How does inflation erode my money?
At 2.5% inflation, prices multiply by 1.025 every year. $10,000 left in a non-interest account will buy, in 10 years, only the equivalent of $7,812 of today — a 21.9% loss of purchasing power without spending a cent.
Which inflation rate should I enter?
Central banks (ECB, Fed) target 2%. Long-run averages hover around 1.5-2.5%, but 2022-2023 exceeded 5% in many countries. Test several scenarios: 2% (normal), 3-4% (tension), 6%+ (crisis).
What is the difference between the two displayed amounts?
“Equivalent purchasing power” = what your current money will really be worth (amount ÷ (1+rate)ⁿ). “Amount needed” = how much you will need tomorrow to buy what your amount buys today (amount × (1+rate)ⁿ). Two faces of the same phenomenon.
How can I protect myself against inflation?
By investing at a return at least equal to inflation: indexed savings, bonds, real estate, stocks over the long run. Golden rule: any money sleeping beyond your emergency fund silently loses value every year.