Inflation purchasing power

What today's cash buys later, with and without yield.

Quick answer: This calculator shows what a pile of cash buys later at an inflation rate you type, and what the same pile is worth if it also earns a yield. The sample rates are assumptions, not a CPI print and not a Treasury quote.

Cash today Years Inflation % Yield on the cash %

Yield compounds monthly. Purchasing power uses the annual inflation rate you type. 2.5% and 4.2% are assumptions, not a CPI print and not a Treasury quote. Educational only.

What this means for you

What this means for you: the no-yield line is purchasing power falling. The real-with-yield line is the yield after that inflation. If the yield is below inflation, the real line still shrinks.

How to use this calculator

Open the Inflation calculator and keep the sample numbers or replace them with your own. The result updates as you type.
Read the headline figure first, then the breakdown or chart under it.
Use Copy share link if you want those inputs in the URL. The page is an educational estimate, not a filing, approval, or recommendation.

FAQ

What inflation rate should I type?

Whatever you want to test. The sample is not this month's CPI.

What is the difference between nominal and real?

Nominal is the dollar balance after the yield. Real divides that balance by the inflation you typed.

Does this predict prices?

No. It applies the rates you type, compounded monthly for the yield.

Educational, not financial advice. Page updated October 24, 2026 — no tax, limit, or rate figure was changed in this review.