US Inflation Calculator
Convert a dollar amount between any two years using official US Consumer Price Index data.
Uses US CPI-U annual averages (BLS data, 1913 onward). Works in both directions — pick any two years.
How it works
The calculation is a simple ratio of index values: $100 in 2000 becomes $100 × (CPI in the target year ÷ CPI in 2000). It works backward too — useful for questions like "what would today's rent have cost in 1990?" Keep in mind CPI measures a broad basket of consumer goods; specific categories like housing, college, or electronics have moved very differently from the average.
FAQ
Where does the data come from?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics' CPI-U (Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers), annual averages, which is the standard series used for historical inflation comparisons. The table here covers 1913 through the most recent complete year.
Why does my year not appear?
CPI-U data begins in 1913, and the current year isn't included until its annual average is final. For the current year, using last year's value slightly understates prices.
Does this work for other countries?
No — CPI is country-specific. This calculator is US dollars only; other countries' statistical agencies publish their own index series.