You enter a dollar amount and choose a start and end year. The tool multiplies the amount by the ratio of the CPI-U index values for those years to find the equivalent purchasing power. It supports both directions: "Past → Present" inflates old dollars forward, while "Present → Past" deflates current dollars backward. All data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI-U annual averages (1913–2025).
CPI-U stands for Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. It measures the average change in prices paid by urban consumers for a basket of goods and services, and is the most commonly cited U.S. inflation metric.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics began publishing CPI data in 1913. Earlier years lack consistent, comparable price data, so most inflation calculators start there.
No. CPI-U is a national average. Inflation can vary significantly between cities and regions. The BLS publishes regional CPI data separately for finer comparisons.
Not exactly. CPI measures price changes for a fixed basket of goods, while cost of living includes substitution effects and quality improvements. CPI is generally considered a close but imperfect proxy.
The BLS releases monthly CPI data, but this calculator uses annual averages. We update the data each year when the full-year average becomes available.
Estimate only. Results reflect your inputs and standard formulas — they are not financial, tax, legal, health, or investment advice. Verify important decisions with a qualified professional.