Inflation-Adjusted Return Calculator
Calculate your real investment return after inflation and see how much purchasing power you actually gain.
Results
What is it?
This calculator converts a nominal (headline) investment return into a real (inflation-adjusted) return using the Fisher equation. It shows both the nominal and real future values of an investment and quantifies how much purchasing power inflation silently erodes.
How to use
Enter the nominal annual return your investment earns, the expected inflation rate, the number of years, and your starting amount. The calculator shows your real return percentage and how much your money actually grows in terms of purchasing power.
Example scenario
A $10,000 investment returning 8% nominally over 20 years grows to $46,610. With 3% annual inflation, the real return is about 4.85%, meaning the real future value in today's dollars is approximately $25,751. Inflation silently consumed over $20,000.
Pro tip
Always think in real returns when planning for FIRE. A 7% nominal return in a 3% inflation environment is only about 3.9% real — meaning your portfolio's actual purchasing power growth is far less than the headline number suggests.