Inflation Calculator

At 3% annual inflation (the US historical average), $10,000 today will have the purchasing power of about $7,441 in 10 years. You would need $13,439 in 10 years to buy what $10,000 buys today. At 5% inflation, the same amount drops to $6,139 in purchasing power.

The US historical average is approximately 3.2% per year since 1913, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Recent years saw spikes to 9.1% (June 2022) before settling to 2.5-3.5% in 2025-2026. The Federal Reserve targets 2% annual inflation.

At the historical average of 3.2%, $100 from 2006 would be equivalent to approximately $188 today. That means goods that cost $100 in 2006 cost roughly $188 now, nearly double the price.

At 3% inflation, your retirement savings need to grow by at least 3% annually just to maintain their current purchasing power. A $1 million retirement fund loses roughly $30,000 in real value each year to inflation. This is why financial planners recommend growth-oriented investments until retirement.

Historically, the S and P 500 returned about 10% annually (7% after inflation). Real estate averages 3-5% above inflation. TIPS and I-bonds match inflation by design. High-yield savings accounts (4-5% in 2026) roughly keep pace. Cash under a mattress loses 100% of its value at a 3% rate over 24 years.

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