Calculate the real value of money over time using historical CPI data. See how purchasing power changes and compare costs across decades.
Inflation Details
Calculate past or future purchasing power
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US CPI data available from 1913
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US average ~3.1%. 2020s avg ~5%+
Equivalent Value
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Purchasing Power Lost
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Original Amount
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Equivalent Value
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Total Inflation
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Annual Rate
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Original Amount
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From Year
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To Year
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Years
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Avg Annual Rate
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Total Cumulative Inflation
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Equivalent Value
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Real Purchasing Power Change
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FAQ
What is inflation?
Inflation is the general increase in prices over time, reducing the purchasing power of money. At 3% annual inflation, something that costs $100 today will cost $103 in a year.
What is the historical US inflation rate?
The US long-term average is about 3.1% since 1913. The 1970s saw double-digit inflation (10-14%). Post-COVID inflation peaked at ~9.1% in June 2022, before easing back to ~3-4%.
How does inflation affect savings?
If your savings earn less interest than inflation, your purchasing power decreases. At 3% inflation, $10,000 in a 1% savings account would lose about $200 in real purchasing power per year.
What is real vs nominal value?
Nominal value is the face amount in current dollars. Real value is adjusted for inflation — it represents actual purchasing power. Economists focus on real values for meaningful comparisons over time.