written by | November 7, 2022

What is an Inflation Calculator in India? How Do You Use it?

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An inflation calculator is a tool that allows you to see the purchasing power of a certain amount of money over time, given a specified rate of inflation. This can be useful in various situations, such as when you are trying to calculate how much your current salary would be worth in the future or how much a historical event would cost in today's money. 

Did you know?

The term “inflation” is from the Latin term inflare, meaning to “blow up or inflate,” and it was first used in a monetary sense to describe “an increase in the amount of money” in 1838

What is Inflation? 

Inflation is an economic term that describes the sustained increase in the prices of goods and services in an economy. It is usually measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a basket of common goods and services people purchase. Over time, as the prices of these goods and services increase, the CPI will also increase, and inflation will occur. Inflation can have both positive and negative effects on an economy. 

On the one hand, it can activate economic growth by encouraging businesses to invest and expand as they anticipate higher future profits. On the other hand, it can lead to higher living costs for consumers, as their wages may not keep pace with the rising prices. 

Also Read: Guide on How to Manage Money Effectively | Money Management Skills to Manage Your Finances

Inflation in India 

Inflation in India refers to the increase in the prices of goods and services in the Indian economy. Inflation is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) that helps to tracks the change in retail prices of goods and services which households purchase for their daily consumption. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) uses the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) to measure inflation. WPI represents the price of goods at a wholesale stage specifically when goods that are sold in bulk and traded between organizations instead of consumers. Inflation has several effects on the economy. It reduces the purchasing power of consumers, leading to a decrease in consumption. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in production and an increase in unemployment.  

Inflation also increases the cost of living, as well as an increase in the cost of production. This leads to a decrease in the competitiveness of Indian products in the international market. To control inflation, the RBI uses monetary policy tools such as changing the interest rates and the cash reserve ratio. The RBI has also taken measures to improve the supply of goods and services in the economy. 

What is an Inflation Calculator?

An inflation calculator is a tool that helps determine how the purchasing power of a certain amount of money will change over time. Inflation is the rate at which prices for goods and services rise. The inflation rate is usually measured as the annual percentage change in the consumer price index (CPI). The CPI measures the average prices of a basket of goods and services commonly purchased by households.  

The inflation calculator can estimate how much more money would be needed to purchase the same basket of goods and services in the future. The calculator can be used to estimate the future value of money, the future cost of living, and the future purchasing power of a certain amount of money. 

An inflation calculator is a tool that allows users to calculate the current rate of inflation in India. The calculator uses data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to provide accurate results. Users can enter the amount of money they wish to convert, and the calculator will return the current inflation rate. An inflation calculator is a valuable tool to understand the current economic conditions in India. 

Also Read: 10 Tips for Successful Money Management for A Profitable Business

Period of Hyperinflation

It is a phase of fast-rising inflation, stagflation has been a period of spiking inflation and slow economic growth with increased unemployment. Such a period results in an imbalance of supply and demand for money. 

How to Use the Inflation Rate Calculator?

To use the inflation calculator, you will need to input the following information: 

  • The year you would like to start
  • The year you would like to end
  • Amount of money you would like to convert 

Once you have inputted this information, you will need to click on the "Calculate" button and the inflation calculator will do the rest. 

 

How to Calculate Inflation Rate in India? 

The inflation rate for India can vary depending on several factors, such as the country's economic conditions and the prices of goods and services. However, there are a few methods that can be used to calculate the inflation rate for India. 

  • One common method is to use the Consumer Price Index (CPI). CPI data is available on the Reserve Bank of India's website. 
  • Another method is to use the GDP deflator. GDP data is also available from the Reserve Bank of India's website. 

Inflation is calculated as the percentage change in a price index over time. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the most common price index. 

Formula for inflation 

One can measure inflation using CPI or the consumer Price Index. 

Inflation = ((CPI x+1 – CPIx)/ CPIx))*100 

Where, CPIx is Initial Consumer Price of Index 

For e.g. CPI at 2008 was 2.518 & CPI at 2012 was 3.198. Calculate inflation

Therfore, Inflation = ((3.198-2.518)/2.518) x 100 = 0.68/2.518 x 100 = 0.27 x 100 = 27%

Causes Of Inflation  

Following are some of the causes of inflation:

  • Inflation expectations:

Inflation expectation is the belief as households and firms have for future cost increment. They are significant as expectation of future cost increment impacts present economic decisions which could impact real inflation outcomes.

  • Demand-Pull Inflation: 

It occurs when the economy's demand for goods and services is more than the supply. It is also called "Profit-Push Inflation". For example, if the demand for a commodity is more than its supply, its price will increase, leading to inflation.  

  • Cost-Push Inflation: 

It occurs when the costs of production increase. For example, if the prices of raw materials increase, it will lead to an increase in the prices of finished goods, leading to inflation. 

Also Read: What Is a Financial Planner and How to Choose the Right One?

How to Prevent Inflation? 

Inflation causes several problems. It decreases the purchasing power of citizens thereby minimising the cash flow in the economy. Hence inflation must be curbed. There are several ways to prevent inflation:  

1. Increase Interest Rates: 

Higher interest rates make it more expensive for businesses to borrow money, which can help to slow down the economy and prevent inflation.  

2. Reduce Government Spending: 

If the government spends less money, there will be less money in circulation, which can help to reduce inflation.  

3. Raise Taxes: 

Raising taxes can also help to reduce the amount of money in circulation and therefore help to reduce inflation.  

4. Sell Assets: 

If the government sells assets, such as land or buildings, this can help to reduce the amount of money in circulation and therefore help to reduce inflation.  

5. Reduce the Money Supply: 

The government can reduce the money supply by taking money out of circulation, for example, by selling bonds. This can help to reduce inflation. 

Benefits of Inflation Calculator India  

There are many benefits of using an Inflation Calculator in India. 

  1. India is a country with a high inflation rate, and this makes it difficult to compare prices from one year to another. An inflation calculator can help you compare prices of goods and services across different years and understand the impact inflation has had on your purchasing power.
  2. In addition, an inflation calculator can help you plan your finances better. Knowing how much inflation has increased the cost of living, you can adjust your budget accordingly. This will help you ensure you do not spend more than you can afford and do not fall behind on your savings goals.  
  3. Inflation can have a significant impact on your standard of living. If the cost of living goes up faster than your income, you will have to cut back on your spending. An inflation calculator can help you see how much your purchasing power has been affected by inflation and help you adjust your budget accordingly.  
  4. Inflation can also have an impact on your investment portfolio. If you have investments not adjusted for inflation, they will lose value over time. An inflation calculator can help you see how much your assets have lost in value and help you make changes to your investment strategy.  
  5. An inflation calculator is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to understand the impact inflation has on their finances. It can help you compare prices from one year to another, plan your budget better, and make changes to your investment portfolio. 

Conclusion:

Inflation in India is expected to rise in 2022 due to several factors, including an increase in the price of crude oil, a strengthening of the US dollar, and an increase in government spending. It is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is a basket of goods and services that are representative of the typical Indian consumer. The CPI is released monthly by the National Statistical Office. The inflation calculator India is easy to use and can be extremely helpful in calculating the rate of inflation in India. 

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FAQs

Q: What is the difference between inflation and deflation?

Ans:

Inflation is when the general price of goods and services rises, while deflation is when the general price of goods and services falls.

Q: How does RBI calculate inflation?

Ans:

RBI calculates inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI).

Q: How does inflation calculator India work?

Ans:

In India, inflation is measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), also known as retail inflation. The CPI is calculated by taking the price of a basket of goods and services people often purchase. The current inflation rate is calculated by averaging the individual monthly inflation rates.

Q: What is the latest inflation rate in India?

Ans:

As per the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the inflation rate in India is currently 7.41% as of September 2022.

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The information, product and services provided on this website are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis without any warranty or representation, express or implied. Khatabook Blogs are meant purely for educational discussion of financial products and services. Khatabook does not make a guarantee that the service will meet your requirements, or that it will be uninterrupted, timely and secure, and that errors, if any, will be corrected. The material and information contained herein is for general information purposes only. Consult a professional before relying on the information to make any legal, financial or business decisions. Use this information strictly at your own risk. Khatabook will not be liable for any false, inaccurate or incomplete information present on the website. Although every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this website is updated, relevant and accurate, Khatabook makes no guarantees about the completeness, reliability, accuracy, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, product, services or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Khatabook will not be liable for the website being temporarily unavailable, due to any technical issues or otherwise, beyond its control and for any loss or damage suffered as a result of the use of or access to, or inability to use or access to this website whatsoever.
Disclaimer :
The information, product and services provided on this website are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis without any warranty or representation, express or implied. Khatabook Blogs are meant purely for educational discussion of financial products and services. Khatabook does not make a guarantee that the service will meet your requirements, or that it will be uninterrupted, timely and secure, and that errors, if any, will be corrected. The material and information contained herein is for general information purposes only. Consult a professional before relying on the information to make any legal, financial or business decisions. Use this information strictly at your own risk. Khatabook will not be liable for any false, inaccurate or incomplete information present on the website. Although every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this website is updated, relevant and accurate, Khatabook makes no guarantees about the completeness, reliability, accuracy, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, product, services or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Khatabook will not be liable for the website being temporarily unavailable, due to any technical issues or otherwise, beyond its control and for any loss or damage suffered as a result of the use of or access to, or inability to use or access to this website whatsoever.