Real Rate of Return Calculator

Your real rate of return is your nominal return minus inflation. A portfolio earning 8% with 3% inflation delivers only 5% in real growth. This calculator reveals whether your investments are truly building wealth or just keeping pace with rising prices.

Open Inflation Calculator

About This Calculator

At 3% annual inflation, $10,000 today would need to be $18,061 in 20 years to maintain the same purchasing power. That means your money loses roughly 45% of its real value if left uninvested.

Understanding inflation's impact is crucial for any long-term financial plan. Whether you're saving for retirement, planning a major purchase, or evaluating investment returns, accounting for inflation ensures your projections reflect reality.

Use the Inflation Calculator to model your own scenarios with custom rates and time horizons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPI and how does it measure inflation?

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The Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) is published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It measures the average change in prices paid by urban consumers for a basket of goods and services. When the CPI goes up, your dollar buys less — that's inflation.

How does inflation affect my savings and investments?

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If your savings earn less interest than the inflation rate, you're losing purchasing power every year. For example, a savings account earning 1% while inflation runs at 3% means you're losing about 2% in real terms annually. That's why investing in assets that historically beat inflation — like stocks and real estate — is important for long-term wealth.

What has the average inflation rate been in the US?

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The long-run average US inflation rate since 1913 is approximately 3.1% per year. However, inflation has varied widely — from near-zero in the 1930s (deflation during the Great Depression) to over 13% in 1980. The Federal Reserve currently targets 2% annual inflation.

How can I protect my money from inflation?

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Common inflation hedges include: (1) investing in stocks, which historically return 7-10% annually, (2) Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), which adjust with CPI, (3) I-bonds from the US Treasury, (4) real estate, which tends to appreciate with inflation, and (5) commodities. Keeping large amounts in low-yield savings accounts is the worst option during high inflation.

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