Real Return Calculator

Real return = nominal rate − inflation. Type your savings rate and current CPI to see the actual buying-power gain.

Updated May 2026, using HMRC 2026/27 rates and current ONS / gov.uk figures.

Use the compound calculator above with rate = (your savings rate − current CPI). For 2026 with CPI around 2-3%, a 4% savings rate is a real return of just 1-2%.

Worked examples

5% savings rate − 3% CPI = 2% real return

4% savings − 4% CPI = 0% real return — you're standing still.

3% savings − 4% CPI = −1% real return — losing buying power.

Sources: ONS Consumer Price Index · retrieved 2026-05-12.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between nominal and real?

Nominal rate is what the bank quotes. Real rate adjusts for inflation — the actual change in what your money can buy.

Should I use CPI or RPI?

Use CPI — the ONS's preferred inflation measure. RPI typically runs higher and is being phased out.