Inflation Calculator
Adjust the inputs below. Results update as you type.
How it works
Adjusted amount = original × (CPI in target year / CPI in base year). The US Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes CPI-U monthly. $1 in 1980 equals about $3.70 today. Inflation compounds: 3% per year doubles prices in 24 years (Rule of 72). Core CPI excludes food and energy; PCE (Fed's preferred measure) weights consumption differently. Future inflation is projected, not guaranteed.
Input guidance
- Pick start and end years that match the comparison you care about.
- Enter the nominal dollar amount from the earlier (or later) year consistently.
- Remember CPI is a basket average—your personal inflation may differ.
The formula
Adjusted value = amount × (1 + average inflation rate)^years, or use the ratio of price indexes: value × (index_end ÷ index_start).
Worked example
$1,000 in 2000 with about 2.5% average annual inflation has the buying power of roughly $1,800 today — meaning you would need $1,800 now to buy what $1,000 bought then.
More examples to test
- What is $50,000 from 2010 worth in 2026 dollars using CPI-style adjustment?
- Compare a 2000 rent payment with today’s dollars to see purchasing-power change.
How to interpret results
Use adjusted figures to compare purchasing power across time, not as a forecast of future prices.
When this can be inaccurate
Index choice (CPI-U vs others), regional baskets, and future inflation are not guaranteed by historical adjustments.
Change history
- July 2026: Published with CPI basket limitations and non-forecast framing.
Site-wide corrections also appear on the corrections log.
Compare top personal finance offers
Offers and rates vary by eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
What does inflation do to savings?+
Inflation erodes purchasing power. Money held as cash buys less each year, which is why long-term savings are usually invested to outpace inflation.
How is inflation measured?+
Commonly by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the average price of a basket of goods and services over time.
Is some inflation normal?+
Yes. Most central banks target around 2% annual inflation as a sign of a healthy, growing economy. Very high or negative inflation signals trouble.
Does this predict future inflation?+
No. It translates amounts between years using historical index relationships. Future inflation is uncertain.
Why might my costs rise faster than this shows?+
Housing, healthcare, or tuition can outpace a broad consumer basket. Personal spending mix drives your experience.