Quick answer: An inflation calculator converts money across years: enter an amount and two years to see its inflation-adjusted value using official US CPI data, plus cumulative inflation.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Key facts
- Converts dollars between years with US CPI-U data.
- Covers 2015 to 2026 (2025-2026 are estimates).
- Shows cumulative inflation between the years.
- Adjusted = amount x (CPI target / CPI start).
An inflation calculator adjusts money for price changes: adjusted value = amount x (CPI in target year / CPI in start year), using the US Consumer Price Index. This free inflation calculator covers 2015 to 2026 and shows cumulative inflation between any two years.
Enter a dollar amount and pick the from and to years. See what past money is worth today, or what today's money may resemble in the future.
How to use
- Enter the amount in dollars.
- Pick the from year.
- Pick the to year and read the adjusted value.
Inflation formula
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPI | Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). |
| Cumulative inflation | (CPI target - CPI start) / CPI start x 100. |
Worked examples
2015 dollars today
$100 in 2015 to 2024: $132.36; cumulative inflation 32.4%.
Recent inflation
$100 in 2020 to 2024: $121.20; the 2021-2022 surge drives most of it.
CPI-U annual averages used
| Year | CPI-U |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 237.0 |
| 2018 | 251.1 |
| 2020 | 258.8 |
| 2022 | 292.7 |
| 2024 | 313.7 |
Full 2015-2026 table in the calculator; 2025-2026 are estimates. Source: BLS.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CPI?
The Consumer Price Index tracks the average change in prices for a basket of goods and services bought by US urban consumers. BLS publishes it monthly.
Why does $100 in 2015 equal more in 2024?
Because prices rose: cumulative inflation means each dollar buys less, so the same purchasing power needs more dollars.
Is CPI the same as inflation?
CPI inflation is the most cited US measure, but your personal inflation depends on what you actually buy.
Are 2025 and 2026 values real?
They are estimates in this calculator; BLS publishes official annual averages with a lag.
Can I use this for salary comparisons?
Yes, convert an old salary to current dollars before comparing to a new offer. Also adjust for taxes and benefits separately.
What is the difference between nominal and real returns?
Nominal returns are gains before inflation; real returns are what is left after inflation. If an investment earns 7% in a year when inflation is 3%, the real return is approximately 4%: only the real return tells you whether your purchasing power actually grew.
What inflation rate should I assume for future planning?
Use a long-run average as an assumption, not a forecast: US inflation has averaged around 2.5 to 3% over recent decades, and the Federal Reserve targets 2%. Test your plan at both a lower and a higher rate, since actual inflation varies by year and by what you buy.
Related: Future Value Calculator: Savings Growth Projector
Sources
- BLS — Consumer Price Index data
- Federal Reserve — Inflation data and research
Key takeaways
- Adjusted = amount x (CPI to / CPI from).
- $100 in 2015 buys what $132 needs in 2024.
- 2025-2026 CPI values are estimates.
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