Inflation Calculator
Convert dollars between any two years with real U.S. CPI data, or project inflation forward and backward at a flat rate.
Uses official U.S. annual-average CPI-U data from 1913 to 2025 (2025 estimated).
DISCLAIMER: This calculator provides estimates for general informational and educational purposes only and is not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are approximate and may not reflect your actual situation, fees, taxes, or current rates. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
What Is the Inflation Calculator?
The Inflation Calculator has three modes. U.S. CPI Data converts an amount between any two years from 1913 to today using official annual-average CPI-U figures — for example, what $1,000 in 1990 equals now. Forward Flat Rate projects what today's money will cost in the future at an assumed rate, and Backward Flat Rate shows what today's amount was equivalent to in the past. All calculations run in your browser.
How It Works
Pick a mode. For CPI, enter an amount and the two years — you'll also see the total price change and average annual inflation between them. For the flat-rate modes, enter an amount, a rate and a number of years.
When to Use It
Use CPI mode for historical questions ('what's a 1975 dollar worth today?') and the flat-rate modes for planning, retirement projections and salary negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where does the data come from?
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual-average CPI-U index, 1913 to present (the current year is estimated until the BLS finalizes it).
- What's the difference between the three modes?
- CPI mode uses real recorded inflation between two actual years; the flat-rate modes assume one steady rate you choose — better for future projections since future CPI is unknown.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-27