Inflation vs Raise Calculator
Test whether repeated raises keep up with an assumed inflation path — in today’s purchasing power.
Not financial, tax, or lending advice. Confirm terms with your provider.
Nominal salary later
$86,946
Real purchasing power (today $)
$75,732
Real change
1.0%
Constant raise and CPI paths. Your CPI category basket and taxes change real outcomes. Educational only — use BLS CPI for published series.
Nominal vs real
A 3% raise in 3% inflation roughly treads water before taxes.
Taxes and benefit changes further alter real take-home — pair with the paycheck tool.
Using CPI responsibly
BLS publishes multiple CPI series. Pick one and stay consistent across years in your scenario.
Personal inflation (rent-heavy budgets) can diverge from headline CPI.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is this a cost-of-living adjustment calculator for Social Security? +
No — general education only.
Why “today dollars”? +
It shows purchasing power relative to your starting year, not future nominal cash.