Inflation Calculator
See how much purchasing power changes over time using live CPI-U data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Original Value
$100.00
in 2000
Equivalent Value
—
in 2024
Cumulative Inflation
—
over period
Average annual inflation rate: —
Year-by-Year CPI & Purchasing Power
| Year | CPI | Annual Change | Equiv. Value |
|---|
How It Works
Inflation is calculated using the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — the BLS measure of average prices paid by urban consumers for a basket of goods and services.
Formula:
Annual average CPI values are used. Data covers 1913–present.
Quick Examples
Historical Averages
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an inflation calculator work?
An inflation calculator uses the Consumer Price Index (CPI), published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, to measure how average prices have changed over time. You enter a dollar amount and a starting year, and the calculator adjusts it to an equivalent value in your chosen end year. The result shows the real purchasing power of that money, accounting for cumulative price changes.
What is the current US inflation rate?
The current US inflation rate is measured by the CPI and updated monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rates fluctuate based on economic conditions, supply chains, and monetary policy. You can see the most recent figure by checking the BLS website or using an inflation calculator that pulls live CPI data.
How much is $100 in 1990 worth today?
Due to cumulative inflation, $100 in 1990 has significantly less purchasing power than the same $100 today. Using official CPI data, $100 from 1990 is equivalent to roughly $240–$250 in 2026 dollars. An inflation calculator lets you check any specific year-to-year comparison instantly.
What is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure that tracks the average change in prices paid by urban consumers for a standard basket of goods and services over time. It covers categories like food, housing, transportation, and healthcare. The CPI is the most widely used benchmark for calculating inflation and adjusting dollar values historically.
Can I use an inflation calculator to adjust my salary?
Yes, a salary inflation calculator lets you compare the real value of wages across different years. For example, you can determine whether a pay raise actually kept pace with inflation, or see how a historical salary translates to today's dollars. Simply enter the salary amount and the starting year to get the inflation-adjusted equivalent.
How far back does the inflation calculator go?
Most US inflation calculators cover data starting from 1913, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics began formally tracking the CPI. Some tools extend further back using reconstructed historical price indices, with a few reaching as far as 1635 or even the early 1800s. The BLS official tool covers 1913 to the present.
What is the difference between inflation and purchasing power?
Inflation refers to the general rise in the price level of goods and services over time, expressed as a percentage rate. Purchasing power is the flip side — it measures how much a unit of currency can actually buy. When inflation rises, purchasing power falls, meaning your dollar buys less than it did before. An inflation calculator shows both: the inflation rate between two periods and the equivalent dollar amount in real terms.
Last updated: August 31, 2026