How is inflation calculated?

Inflation between two years is calculated using the Consumer Price Index (CPI): Adjusted Value = Amount × (CPI in end year ÷ CPI in start year). The CPI tracks the average price of a basket of consumer goods and services, published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is $100 in 2000 worth today?

About $185-190 in 2026 dollars — meaning prices have nearly doubled since 2000. Equivalently, $100 today buys what roughly $53 bought in 2000.

What is the average US inflation rate?

The long-run US average is about 3.1% per year since 1913. The Federal Reserve targets 2% annual inflation. At 3% inflation, prices double roughly every 24 years (rule of 72).

How does inflation affect my savings?

Cash loses purchasing power at the inflation rate. $10,000 held in cash at 3% inflation loses about $2,560 of purchasing power in 10 years. Savings must earn at least the inflation rate to preserve real value.

US Inflation Calculator (1913–2026)

Convert any dollar amount between any two years using official US Consumer Price Index data, or project how future inflation erodes your savings. Pre-loaded with an example — try it now!

🚀 Quick Start Examples

Historical Dollar Value

Amount ($)

From Year

To Year

Future Inflation Projector

How much will your money be worth in the future — and what will things cost?

Amount Today ($)

Expected Inflation (%/yr)

Years Ahead

How Inflation Is Calculated

This calculator uses the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), published monthly by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics since 1913. The conversion formula:

Adjusted Value = Amount × (CPI_{target year} ÷ CPI_{start year})

Why it matters: Inflation silently taxes cash. At the historical 3.1% average, prices double every ~23 years — a retirement 30 years away needs roughly 2.5× today's income for the same lifestyle.

Notable inflation eras: The 1970s oil-shock era peaked at 13.5% (1980). The 2021–2022 surge hit 9.1% — the highest in 40 years. Deflation occurred during the Great Depression (−10.3% in 1932).

Rule of 72: Divide 72 by the inflation rate to estimate doubling time for prices. At 3%: 72÷3 = 24 years. At 6%: only 12 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What data does this calculator use?

Annual average CPI-U values from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1913 through 2026 (latest year uses the most recent published index).

Why does my salary feel smaller even after raises?

If your raise is below inflation, your real (inflation-adjusted) income falls. A 3% raise during 5% inflation is a 2% real pay cut. Use this calculator to convert your old salary to today's dollars for a fair comparison.

How do I protect savings from inflation?

Assets that historically outpace inflation include stocks (~10% nominal long-run), Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), I-Bonds, and real estate. High-yield savings and CDs help cash keep pace in high-rate environments.

Is CPI the only measure of inflation?

No — the Fed prefers PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures), which typically runs ~0.3% lower than CPI. There's also core CPI (excluding food/energy) and regional CPIs. CPI-U is the most-cited headline number.