What $500,000 Will Be Worth in 20 Years at 3% Inflation
At 3% inflation, $500,000 will have the buying power of $276,838 in 20 years — a loss of $223,162. You'd need $903,056 to keep pace. Free inflation calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How does inflation erode purchasing power?
Inflation raises prices over time, so the same amount of money buys less in the future. At a steady rate, this calculator shows how much real value your money loses over a period — and how much you'd need to keep the same buying power.
What is real value versus nominal value?
Nominal value is the face amount of money; real value is what it can actually buy after inflation. A sum kept in cash has the same nominal value in ten years, but a lower real value — it buys less. This calculator shows that gap.
How do I protect my savings from inflation?
Money sitting idle loses value to inflation. Historically, investments that outpace inflation — like diversified stocks — help preserve buying power over the long term. This calculator shows how much return you'd need just to break even against inflation.