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.