About This Calculator

This inflation calculator uses the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), series CUUR0000SA0, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The CPI measures the average change over time in prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of goods and services.

How the Calculation Works

To find the inflation-adjusted value, we divide the CPI of the target year by the CPI of the base year, then multiply by the original amount:

Adjusted Value = Original Amount × (CPI[target year] / CPI[base year])

Annual average CPI values are used (not monthly data), which provides a stable, representative figure for each calendar year.

Data Source

All data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Annual figures are updated each January when BLS publishes the prior year's data.

Limitations

CPI measures average inflation across urban consumers nationally. Actual purchasing power changes vary by location, income level, and individual spending patterns. Use this tool for general estimates, not precise personal financial planning.