Finance Guide

Inflation Calculator Guide — How Inflation Erodes Wealth India

📅 2026-03-31⏱ 5 min read🇮🇳 India-specific

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India's Inflation History

PeriodAverage CPI Inflation
2015-2019~4%
2020-20225-6% (COVID impact)
2023-20254.5-5.5%
RBI Target4% (±2% band)

Real Impact of 6% Inflation on Rs.1 Lakh

  • After 5 years: Real value = Rs.74,726 (lost Rs.25,274)
  • After 10 years: Real value = Rs.55,839 (lost 44%)
  • After 20 years: Real value = Rs.31,180 (lost 69%)

📌 Key insight: Keeping money in savings account at 3.5% while inflation is 5.5% means you are losing 2% purchasing power every year. You must invest to beat inflation.

Investments That Beat Inflation (India)

InvestmentReturnInflation Beating?
Savings Account3-4%❌ No
FD6.5-7.5%Barely
PPF7.1% (tax-free)✅ Yes (on after-tax basis)
Equity Mutual Fund12-14% CAGR✅ Strong yes
Real Estate8-12%✅ Yes
Gold10-11% CAGR✅ Yes (historical)

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