Which inflation index is used?

Historical calculators typically use CPI-U (all urban consumers).

Is CPI the best measure?

It's the standard, though some people prefer chained-CPI or PCE.

Central banks target ~2%; the US long-run average is closer to 3%.

Yes — a raise below inflation is a real pay cut.

Compare purchasing power between years — what a dollar in one year is worth in another.

All math runs in your browser — nothing is uploadedReviewed & updated: January 1970Methodology

Amount today ($)YearsAnnual inflation (%)

Future value

$180.61

Amount today$100.00

Inflation impact$80.61

Past buying power today$55.37

Future value = past · (CPI_new / CPI_old). Or approximate: FV = P · (1 + i)^n.

Example

$100 in 2000 has roughly the buying power of $180 in 2024 (US CPI).

Which inflation index is used?: Historical calculators typically use CPI-U (all urban consumers).
Is CPI the best measure?: It's the standard, though some people prefer chained-CPI or PCE.
What's a normal inflation rate?: Central banks target ~2%; the US long-run average is closer to 3%.
Does inflation apply to salaries?: Yes — a raise below inflation is a real pay cut.