What Does This Inflation Calculator Do?
Inflation is the rate at which the general price level of goods and services rises over time, eroding the purchasing power of money. This calculator uses Consumer Price Index (CPI) values for a starting and ending date to show both the overall inflation rate between the two dates and what a starting dollar amount would be equivalent to today.
The Formula
Equivalent Value = Starting Amount × (CPI at End Date ÷ CPI at Start Date).
Inflation Rate (%) = ((CPI at End Date − CPI at Start Date) ÷ CPI at Start Date) × 100.
You can find official CPI values from a national statistics agency (such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). This calculator is provided for general educational and financial planning purposes only.
Last reviewed August 2026