Inflation Calculator: Compare Purchasing Power Across Years (1913-2022)
The calculator shows what yesterday’s dollars are worth today by applying Consumer Price Index data—prices in 2022 are roughly 2 900 % higher than in 1913 (BLS CPI Tables, 2023).
Inflation Calculator
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How to use the tool
Original amount ($) – Type any figure, e.g., 350.75 or 1 250.00.
Initial year – Pick the year the money was spent or earned, such as 1968 or 2005.
Final year – Select the year for comparison, for instance 2020 or 2015.
Calculate – The tool returns the adjusted amount, total inflation, and average yearly inflation.
The tool uses the U.S. All-Items CPI, available from 1913 onward (BLS CPI Databases, 2023).
Average annual U.S. inflation 1913-2022 equals 3.1 % (Federal Reserve Economic Data, 2023).
Largest one-year CPI jump since 1981 was 8.0 % in 2022 (BLS News Release, 2023).
Deflation occurred in 1932 (-10.3 %) and 2009 (-0.4 %) (BLS Historical Tables, 2023).
FAQ
What does the inflation calculator do?
The calculator converts a past or future dollar amount into its equivalent buying power for another year by scaling with CPI data (BLS CPI Guide, 2023).
How reliable is the Consumer Price Index?
The CPI samples 80 000 prices monthly and is the official U.S. cost-of-living gauge; “it is the most widely used measure of inflation” (BLS Handbook, 2022).
Why choose CPI instead of the GDP deflator?
CPI focuses on household purchases, while the GDP deflator covers all domestic production; personal budgeting therefore aligns better with CPI (IMF Statistics, 2022).
Can the tool handle deflation?
Yes. When CPIf < CPIi, formulas return negative inflation and a smaller adjusted amount, reflecting lower price levels.
How often is data updated?
The CPI series is revised every month; the calculator can refresh as soon as BLS publishes the update, usually mid-month (BLS Schedule, 2023).
Does regional inflation matter?
Regional price changes differ, but national CPI still guides long-term planning; supplement with local CPI for precise budgeting (BLS Regional Data, 2023).
Is average annual inflation always lower than total inflation?
Yes, because it expresses the compound yearly rate needed to reach the total change; it smooths year-to-year volatility.
How can businesses use the output?
Firms adjust wages, renegotiate contracts, and set pricing strategies to keep margins above the historical average 3 % inflation benchmark (U.S. Chamber Economic Forecast, 2023).
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