How to use the Inflation calculator
- Enter your numbers. Fill in amount, from year, to.
- Read your results. Results update instantly. The headline shows the $100.00 in 2000 equals; the breakdown below show the details.
How the inflation calculator works
The calculator uses the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), the most widely used U.S. inflation measure, published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Annual figures use the calendar-year average index. The “latest” option uses the most recent monthly index, so you can compare with today’s prices.
About the data
CPI-U covers about 93% of the U.S. population and measures the price of a fixed basket of goods and services, including housing, food, energy, medical care and transportation (base 1982–84 = 100). BLS did not publish an October 2025 index because of the federal government shutdown, so the 2025 annual figure here averages the 11 months that were published.
Worked example
With these inputs: amount $100; from year 2000; to August 2026 (latest).
The calculator gives a $100.00 in 2000 equals of $194.53 (in August 2026 dollars). Other results: cumulative inflation 94.5%, average annual rate 2.58%, CPI 2000 172.200, CPI August 2026 334.980.
What your results mean
The equivalent amount has the same purchasing power as your original amount, based on average consumer prices. Cumulative inflation is the total price rise between the two dates.
Tips
- Use the annual average for comparing whole years.
- Use “latest” to compare with current prices.
- Remember wages and asset prices can move differently from CPI.
Frequently asked questions
What does CPI-U measure?
The average change over time in prices urban consumers pay for a market basket of goods and services.
Where does the CPI data come from?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, series CUUR0000SA0 (U.S. city average, all items, not seasonally adjusted).
What is the current inflation rate?
The 12-month change in CPI-U, published by BLS each month. Compare the latest month with the same month a year earlier for the official figure.
Why does my personal inflation feel different?
CPI is an average basket. If you spend more on rent, food or gas than the average household, your experience can differ.
What is the average inflation rate in the U.S.?
Since 1913, CPI-U has averaged a little over 3% a year; it was closer to 2% for most of the 2010s.
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