About this tool
US CPI inflation calculator — compare purchasing power across years.
The Inflation Calculator uses historical US Consumer Price Index (CPI) annual averages published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to show how the purchasing power of the US dollar has changed between any two years from 1913 to 2024. Enter an amount, a starting year, and an ending year to see the equivalent value adjusted for inflation, the cumulative inflation percentage, and how much purchasing power was gained or lost.
Example
$100 in 1990 → 2024 equivalent: $226.23 · Cumulative inflation: 126.23%
How to use
- Enter the dollar amount.
- Select the "from" year.
- Select the "to" year.
- The inflation-adjusted equivalent and cumulative inflation rate appear instantly.
Features
- US CPI data 1913–2024 (BLS annual averages)
- Cumulative inflation percentage
- Purchasing power gained or lost
- Instant calculation — no server calls
- Covers over 110 years of US monetary history
Frequently Asked Questions
What data source does this calculator use?+
Annual average CPI data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), series CUUR0000SA0.
Why does this only cover US dollars?+
The tool uses US CPI data. Inflation rates differ significantly between countries, so the results apply to USD only.
Can I compare inflation from any year to any year?+
Yes — any year between 1913 and 2024 can be used as the start or end year.
Why does $100 buy less today than 20 years ago?+
Inflation reduces purchasing power over time. $100 in 2004 is equivalent to about $163 in 2024 based on US CPI data.
Can inflation be negative?+
Yes — negative inflation is called deflation. Prices fall during deflation, which often signals economic weakness.