Inflation-Adjusted Real Return Calculator

Convert nominal returns or APYs into real, inflation-adjusted purchasing power. See what your money actually buys after CPI erosion over your time horizon.

Starting amount

Nominal annual return (APY)

Expected annual inflation

Time horizon (years)

Real (inflation-adjusted) annual rate

1.9%

Real purchasing power at end

$12,121

Nominal balance at end

$16,289

Lost to inflation

$4,168

Inflation that wipes out gains

5.0%

Inflation-Adjusted Real Return Calculator

Nominal vs. Real Balance Over Time