Inflation Calculator
See how inflation affects purchasing power over time
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US historical average: ~3%. Recent years: 3-7%
Understanding Inflation
- Inflation is the rate at which prices increase over time
- Purchasing power decreases as inflation rises
- $100 in 1990 has the same buying power as ~$240 in 2024
- The Federal Reserve targets 2% annual inflation
Historical US Inflation
- 1970s: High inflation (~7-13%)
- 1980s-1990s: Moderate (~3-5%)
- 2000s-2010s: Low (~2-3%)
- 2021-2023: Elevated (~5-9%)