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Inflation & Purchasing Power Calculator

Inflation erodes purchasing power over time. This calculator shows how much today's equivalent of a given amount would be, based on a chosen annual inflation rate. The default 4.2% is the average Polish CPI for 2024 (GUS data). You can enter any rate and compare scenarios for any period from 2000 to 2026.

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How the inflation calculator works

Formula: value after inflation = amount × (1 + rate/100)^(year_to - year_from). Purchasing power change = value after inflation − original amount. Percentage change = (value / amount − 1) × 100. If year_from = year_to: no change. If year_to < year_from: a negative scenario (deflation or reverse calculation) is modelled.

Example: 10,000 PLN from 2015 to 2026 at 4.2%

At 4.2% p.a. for 11 years: 10,000 × 1.042^11 ≈ 15,737 PLN. You need 15,737 PLN in 2026 to buy what 10,000 PLN bought in 2015. Purchasing power change: +5,737 PLN (+57.4%). If a savings account pays 3% and inflation is 4.2%, the real return is negative.

Frequently asked questions about inflation

What is inflation and how does GUS measure it?

Inflation is a sustained rise in the general price level. GUS measures it via the Consumer Price Index (CPI) — comparing the price of a representative basket of goods month-to-month and year-to-year.

How does inflation affect savings?

If a deposit pays 3% and inflation is 5%, the real return is negative (~-2%). Money grows nominally but buys less. The calculator shows how much purchasing power you lose.

What was inflation in Poland in recent years?

Approximate annual CPI: 2020 — 3.4%, 2021 — 5.1%, 2022 — 14.4%, 2023 — 11.4%, 2024 — ~4.2% (GUS data).

Historical CPI values are published on the GUS website (stat.gov.pl) and in NBP statistics. The default 4.2% reflects the 2024 Polish CPI average.

Deflation is negative inflation — prices fall, money buys more. Enter a negative rate to model a deflationary scenario.

Formula: value = amount × (1 + rate/100)^years. E.g., 10,000 PLN at 4.2% for 11 years ≈ 15,737 PLN.

Real rate ≈ nominal rate − inflation. If a deposit pays 4% and inflation is 5%, the real return is approximately -1%.

The Monetary Policy Council (RPP) sets NBP interest rates. Higher rates raise borrowing costs, reduce demand and slow price growth. The NBP inflation target is 2.5% ±1 pp.

No — the calculator shows only the nominal effect of inflation on purchasing power. It does not account for the 19% tax on capital gains (Belka tax) or savings account fees.

No — results are estimates. The calculator uses a constant annual rate, which is a simplification. Actual inflation changes each year. Consult a financial adviser for binding guidance.

Results are estimates. The calculator uses a flat annual rate (no intra-period compounding). Historical CPI data is sourced from GUS. Results do not constitute financial advice.

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