Inflation Calculator

Use our inflation calculator to help you determine the buying power of the dollar over time in the United States.

Inputs

Used for years after 2023

Inflation-adjusted amount

N/A

It’s easy to get started

By inputting a dollar value by year, you can see the buying power of the dollar over time—from past years to future years. Future inflation is currently based on a prediction of an average inflation rate of 2.5%, but you can alter the number as well.

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Inflation rates from the past are based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index, while future rates of inflation are based on a default inflation rate you provide.

How to use our inflation calculator

First you enter a starting dollar amount, then you can enter 2 different years you want to measure inflation for. From there you can see how much the value of the dollar changes over a given time period. That amount equals the purchasing power, or buying power, of the dollar. Note, our calculator uses Consumer Price Index (CPI) data when calculating historical inflation rates.

This calculator is meant to help you understand the impact of inflation over your budget, which includes cost of living, range of goods and services, and more. When prices inflate, you need more money to buy the same things. Inflation is an important factor for average urban consumers to understand because it can affect your budget, goods and services purchased, and the returns on your investments.

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Inflation calculator FAQs

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    What is inflation?

    Inflation is a general increase in the prices of goods and services, and the inevitable fall of purchasing power of the United States dollar. When an inflation rate is calculated, it’s generally conveyed as a percentage increase in prices over 12 calendar months. The United States’ central bank, The Federal Reserve, aims for a 2% increase in inflation each year.

    You can read more about inflation here.
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    How does inflation affect me?

    If your current income stays the same while prices go up, you'll feel the effects of inflation. Your current dollar won't stretch as far and you may have to make changes to your budget—as prices of goods go up, you may have to look for alternatives. In theory, salaries and wages should rise to keep up with inflation so that workers can maintain their standards of living.

    If your income rises by the same percentage as the inflation rate, your purchasing power doesn’t decrease; it doesn't grow or shrink. If your income rises by a percentage greater than the inflation rate, you'll be able to afford more goods and services without feeling the strain.

    If your income decreases or you lose your employment, you will feel the effects of inflation more strongly. Other people who feel the negative effects of inflation are those on a fixed income, or those who hold fixed-income investments because inflation will affect their purchasing and buying power.

    Some people actually benefit from inflation. Read this article to learn more about the topic.
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    What can you expect with rising inflation?

    Inflation defined is the gradual increase in prices across an entire economy. When inflation rises, consumers need to spend more money to buy the same goods and services. So, you can expect to pay more for goods and services than you normally would, as demand outpacing supply and shortages cause price spikes.

    It’s helpful to think about inflation in the context of the value of the United States dollar. As prices rise, each dollar you hold buys fewer goods and services. That’s what’s known as purchasing power—and as the purchasing power of your money declines, the cost of living goes up. It can be an opportune time to reassess your budget, plan to take out a personal loan, or talk to a financial advisor.

    Economists often use the term basket of goods which refers to a fixed set of consumer goods or services, and these are the prices of which are used to measure inflation. The basket’s price and its contents are evaluated on a regular basis, allowing governments to track inflation in their country and give consumers an idea of the latest monthly effects of inflation.

    The basket of goods is also used to gauge the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is used to measure the cost of living. For example, if the price of the basket of goods rises by 2% in a year, inflation can be said to be 2%.
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    What budget line items are more susceptible to inflation?

    Inflation affects all aspects of the economy, including consumer spending, business investments, employment rates, government programs, tax policies, and interest rates. For average urban consumers, prices increase particularly when it comes to the cost of airfare travel, furniture, hotels, new and used automobiles, gas, and everyday essentials like food.

    As prices continue to rise and fall, it’s important to pay attention to the cost of goods you’re buying—especially the ones you need to buy month-to-month. To combat higher prices, think of ways to save money such as buying items in bulk, shopping for sales, or swapping a food item for another that is more affordable. With the knowledge of how much more you’re spending, you can make informed decisions about the prices of goods and if you can afford them one month to the next.

    Here is a great article about preparing for inflation.
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Won't affect

 your credit score¹

1. When you check your rate, we check your credit report. This initial (soft) inquiry will not affect your credit score. If you accept your rate and proceed with your application, we do another (hard) credit inquiry that will impact your credit score. If you take out a loan, repayment information may be reported to the credit bureaus.