Inflation Calculator (CPI-U)

Convert a past amount of money into its purchasing power in another year using the U.S. CPI-U index. Designed for researchers, journalists, students, and professionals who need transparent, defensible calculations. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Author: Ugo Candido Reviewed by: Finance Content Editor Last updated: Category: Finance → Prices & Inflation
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Advanced options

Optional. Overrides dataset CPI for the start year. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Optional. Overrides dataset CPI for the target year. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Results

Adjusted amount —
Cumulative inflation —
Average annual inflation —
CPI(start) → CPI(target) —
Span: — Multiplier: —

This single-file tool ships with annual CPI-U values only for select years to keep the file lightweight. Use the “Custom CPI” fields to reflect the latest monthly data or missing years. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Data Source and Methodology

Authoritative data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), U.S. city average, all items, not seasonally adjusted, Series ID: CUUR0000SA0 (see BLS inflation calculator). Calculations follow CPI ratio methods commonly used by the BLS. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Note: This page is self-contained. For the latest monthly CPI or broader year coverage, enter custom CPI overrides in “Advanced options.” :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

The Formula Explained

Adjusted amount

\[ \text{Adjusted} = A_0 \times \frac{\mathrm{CPI}(t)}{\mathrm{CPI}(0)} \]

Cumulative inflation

\[ \text{Cumulative}~(\%) = \left(\frac{\mathrm{CPI}(t)}{\mathrm{CPI}(0)} - 1\right)\times 100 \]

Average annual rate

\[ \text{Average Annual} = \left(\frac{\mathrm{CPI}(t)}{\mathrm{CPI}(0)}\right)^{\frac{1}{t-0}} - 1 \]

Worked Example

Goal: Convert $50.00 from 2000 dollars into 2023 dollars. From the dataset: CPI(2000)=172.200; CPI(2023)=305.349.

Multiplier = 305.349 / 172.200 ≈ 1.773

Adjusted amount = 50.00 × 1.773 ≈ $88.65

Cumulative inflation = (1.773 − 1) × 100 ≈ 77.3%

Years = 23 ⇒ Average annual ≈ 1.773^(1/23) − 1 ≈ 2.49%/yr

Interpretation: A $50 purchase in 2000 would require about $88.65 in 2023 to have similar purchasing power. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which CPI series is used here?

CPI-U (All Urban Consumers, U.S. city average, all items, not seasonally adjusted; BLS Series ID: CUUR0000SA0). :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Is monthly precision available?

This single-file tool includes annual averages for portability. For month-level precision, use monthly CPI or the override fields. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Why not seasonally adjusted figures?

Purchasing-power conversions use NSA CPI because it reflects actual price levels, not seasonality-adjusted noise. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Full original guide (expanded)

Your previous copy and structure are preserved here (lightly edited for clarity and accessibility) and reflected in the integrated sections above. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}