Inflation Calculator
Convert any dollar amount from 1913 to today using the official US CPI-U index. See how inflation has eroded or changed purchasing power over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CPI-U index?
The CPI-U (Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers) is published monthly by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. It measures the average change in prices paid by urban consumers for a representative basket of goods and services, covering roughly 93% of the US population.
How far back does the data go?
The BLS began publishing CPI data in 1913, making that the earliest year this calculator supports. The index uses 1982–84 as its base period (= 100).
Why might my result differ from other inflation calculators?
This calculator uses annual average CPI-U values, which smooth out month-to-month fluctuations. Calculators that use specific months (e.g. January to January) will give slightly different results.
Can I use this for currencies other than US dollars?
No. The CPI-U is a US-specific index. Other countries publish their own inflation indices — such as the UK’s RPI or the Eurozone’s HICP — which would be needed for non-USD conversions.
Related Tools
🔧 Utility
Percent Change Calculator
Calculate the percentage change between two values. See the formula, direction of change, and absolute difference instantly.
💰 Finance
Loan Payment Calculator
Calculate monthly loan payments, total interest, and see an amortization summary for any loan.
💰 Finance
4% Rule Retirement Planner
Calculate your retirement nest egg using the 4% rule, find the required monthly contribution, and visualize portfolio growth over time with a live chart.