Inflation is defined as a persistent rise in the general level of prices. There are different types of inflation based on rate of increase: creeping inflation (under 2% annually), walking inflation (around 5% annually), running inflation (8-10% annually), and galloping/hyper inflation (over 200% annually lasting over a year). Inflation can cause social tensions, money illusion, macroeconomic consequences, uncertainty, speculation, bracket creep, and deflation dangers. It is measured to gauge the average rate and identify victims. The main causes are demand-pull inflation from excessive demand, and cost-push inflation from higher production costs putting upward pressure on prices.