Inflation Calculator
Enter an amount and a date range to see how inflation has eroded its real purchasing power over time — using historical CPI data. Free, instant, no account required.
📊 Data Source: Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This calculator uses official annual CPI averages to estimate changes in purchasing power over time.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates based on aggregate CPI data and may not reflect individual circumstances, regional variations, or specific spending patterns. Not financial advice.
💰 How to Use the Inflation Calculator
Understand how the purchasing power of money changes over time. Compare what a dollar was worth in the past to what it's worth today.
- Enter an amount in the starting year field (e.g., $100 in 1990)
- Select your start and end years from the dropdown menus
- Click Calculate to see the inflation-adjusted equivalent
- View the results showing how much you'd need today to match past purchasing power
Historical CPI Data
Uses official Consumer Price Index data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Year Range Selection
Compare any two years from 1913 to present for long-term purchasing power analysis.
Currency Conversion
See exactly how much today's dollars are worth compared to any historical period.
Private & Secure
All calculations happen in your browser. No financial data is stored or transmitted.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What data source does this calculator use?
This calculator uses the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). CPI tracks the average change in prices over time that consumers pay for a basket of goods and services.
Is this financial advice?
No. This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. It provides historical context about purchasing power but should not be used as the basis for investment, savings, or financial planning decisions. Always consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized advice.
How accurate are the calculations?
Calculations are based on official annual CPI averages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The results provide a general indication of purchasing power changes but may not reflect individual spending patterns, regional variations, or specific categories of goods and services.