Inflation Calculator

See how inflation affects purchasing power, with future value and past value modes.

What is an Inflation Calculator?

Calculate how inflation has changed the value of money using real U.S. CPI data from 1913 to 2025. See what past dollars are worth today and how purchasing power has changed over time.

How to Use

Using the inflation calculator is very simple:

  • Enter your values in the input fields
  • Click the calculate button
  • View the results instantly

Tips

  • Double-check your inputs for accurate results
  • This tool is for estimation - consult a professional for important decisions
  • Save your results for future reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the CPI data come from?+
This calculator uses annual averages of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. CPI data goes back to 1913 and is updated each year. The reference period is 1982-84 = 100.
What is the average inflation rate in the U.S.?+
From 1913 to 2025, the average annual inflation rate in the U.S. has been about 3.2%. But this varies by decade: the 1970s averaged over 7%, while the 2010s averaged under 2%. Recent years saw a spike reaching 8% in 2022, then cooling to about 2.5% in 2025.
How does inflation affect purchasing power?+
Inflation reduces what each dollar can buy. If inflation is 3% per year, $100 today buys only $97 worth of goods next year. Over 25 years at 3%, $100 loses more than half its purchasing power - you would need about $209 to buy what $100 bought 25 years ago.
Why did inflation spike in 2021-2022?+
The 2021-2022 inflation spike was driven by pandemic-era stimulus spending, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and energy price increases following geopolitical events. CPI rose 4.7% in 2021 and 8.0% in 2022 - the highest since 1981.
Is CPI the only way to measure inflation?+
No. Other measures include the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index (the Fed's preferred gauge), the Producer Price Index (PPI), and core CPI (excluding volatile food and energy prices). Each captures a different aspect of price changes.
How is the inflation adjustment calculated?+
The formula is: Adjusted Amount = Original Amount * (Target Year CPI / Original Year CPI). For example, $100 in 1990 with a CPI of 130.7, adjusted to 2025 with a CPI of 321.4: $100 * (321.4 / 130.7) = $245.83.

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