📉Retirement

Inflation Calculator

How inflation erodes your money — and how to beat it

Mode

What will today's ₹X cost in N years?

₹1.00 L
6%

India long-term CPI: 5–7%. Food/education: 7–10%.

20 yrs
8%

Compare real purchasing power

12%

Investments must beat inflation to preserve wealth

Today's amount₹1.00 L
After 20 years at 6%₹3.21 L
Purchasing power loss₹68,820
Real value in hand₹31,180
Money doubles every12 years
Real investment return6.0% p.a.

Purchasing Power vs Investment vs Salary — 20 Years

Investment grows
Salary grows
Cost rises (inflation)

Real Purchasing Power of ₹1.00 L Today

After 5 years

Worth 75% of today's value

₹74,726

After 10 years

Worth 56% of today's value

₹55,839

After 20 years

Worth 31% of today's value

₹31,180

Salary real growth

8% nominal − 6% inflation

2.0%/yr

Investment real return

12% return − 6% inflation

6.0%/yr

Future Cost of Everyday Items (at 6%)

ItemTodayIn 20 yr
Monthly groceries₹8,000₹25,657
School fees (annual)₹60,000₹1.92 L
Medical consultation₹800₹2,566
Petrol (10L)₹1,000₹3,207
Restaurant meal for 4₹2,500₹8,018
Rent (2BHK urban)₹25,000₹80,178

Inflation Facts

→ At 6% inflation, money halves in value every 12 years (Rule of 72: 72 ÷ 6).

→ FD at 7% with 30% tax = 4.9% net — often below inflation. Equity is your best long-term inflation hedge.

→ Education and healthcare inflation is typically 8–12% — much higher than CPI. Plan separately with higher inflation.

→ Real return is what actually matters: if your portfolio earns 12% and inflation is 6%, real wealth grows only 6%.

FAQ

Inflation Calculator — FAQ

Common questions about this calculator

India's CPI inflation averages 4–6% over long periods. However, healthcare inflation is 12–15% and education inflation is 10–12%.

Calculations are approximate and for educational purposes only. Excludes surcharge for income above ₹50L. Consult a Chartered Accountant for personalised tax advice.