How much has $100 lost in value since 2020?

Due to cumulative inflation of approximately 25–26% since January 2020, $100 in 2020 has the buying power of roughly $75–76 in real terms today (June 2026). Equivalently, you need about $126 in 2026 to buy what $100 bought in January 2020. This cumulative price increase is driven by the post-pandemic surge (2021–2022) plus ongoing inflation in shelter and food.

What categories have the highest inflation in 2026?

As of April 2026, the highest inflation categories are: Energy (+17.9% YoY), specifically gasoline (+28.4%) and fuel oil (+54.3%), driven by the Iran war oil shock. Shelter rose 3.3% YoY. Food rose 2.3% YoY. Core services remain elevated. Medical care services rose approximately 4.2% YoY in early 2026.

What is the Federal Reserve's inflation target?

The Federal Reserve targets a 2% annual inflation rate (measured by the PCE price index, though CPI-U is closely watched). A 2% rate is considered consistent with price stability and maximum employment. Current CPI inflation of 3.8% (April 2026) remains above this target, primarily due to energy price shocks.

How is the US Inflation Calculator calculated?

Our USA Inflation Calculator uses the BLS CPI-U annual average index (1982–84 = 100). The purchasing power formula is: Equivalent Amount = Original Amount × (CPI End Year / CPI Start Year). For example, $1,000 in 2010 (CPI 218.1) in 2026 terms (CPI ~340) = $1,000 × (340/218.1) ≈ $1,559. Inflation data covers 1990–2026 with the latest BLS release.

What is the USA Inflation Calculator?

The USA Inflation Calculator is a free online tool that calculates how the value of money changes over time due to inflation. It uses official Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to show what money was worth in any year since 1913 and projects future values based on inflation rates.

How accurate is the USA Inflation Calculator?

Our calculator uses official CPI data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is the same data the U.S. government uses for Social Security adjustments, tax brackets, and economic policy. For historical calculations (1913-2023), it's extremely accurate. For future projections, you can use the Federal Reserve's 2% target rate or adjust to custom rates.

What data does the calculator use?

The calculator uses Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics dating back to 1913. This is the official measure of inflation in the United States, tracking price changes for a basket of common goods and services including housing, food, transportation, and medical care.

How do I calculate historical inflation?

To calculate historical inflation: 1) Enter the dollar amount, 2) Select the starting year (when the money was received), 3) Select the ending year (today or any future year), 4) Click calculate. The calculator will show you the equivalent value in the ending year, total inflation percentage, and annual inflation rate.

Why does $100 buy less each year?

Inflation gradually increases prices over time, reducing what each dollar can buy. For example, due to inflation averaging 3.27% annually since 1913, $100 in 2000 is equivalent to about $179 today. Our calculator shows exactly how much purchasing power you've lost or need to maintain the same standard of living.

How can I protect my savings from inflation?

To protect against inflation: 1) Invest in assets that typically outpace inflation (stocks, real estate), 2) Consider Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), 3) Diversify investments, 4) Regularly review and adjust financial plans for inflation. Use our calculator to see how much you'll need in the future to maintain current purchasing power.

What's the difference between CPI and real inflation?

CPI (Consumer Price Index) is the official government measure of inflation tracking price changes for common goods and services. While individuals may experience different inflation based on spending habits, CPI is the standardized measure used for government benefits, tax adjustments, and economic analysis. Our calculator uses this official data.

How often is the inflation data updated?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases new CPI data monthly. Our calculator is updated annually with the latest official data. Currently, we include complete data from 1913 through 2023, with projections available for future years based on historical averages or custom rates you can adjust.

Can I calculate future inflation with this tool?

Yes! Our calculator has a 'Future Projection' mode that estimates how much money you'll need in future years to maintain purchasing power. You can use the Federal Reserve's 2% target rate, the historical average of 3.27%, or adjust to any custom inflation rate to see different scenarios.

Is this calculator free to use?

Yes, the USA Inflation Calculator is completely free with no registration required. We provide this tool to help everyone understand how inflation affects their finances, from salary negotiations and retirement planning to historical price comparisons and investment decisions.

Live BLS CPI Data · Updated June 2026

USA Inflation Calculator 2026

Convert purchasing power · Compare dollar values 1990–2026 · BLS CPI-U data

3.8% Apr 2026 YoY

2.8% Core CPI YoY

+17.9% Energy YoY

+3.3% Shelter YoY

Inflation & Purchasing Power Calculator

Dollar Amount to Adjust

From Year

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To Year

Category (optional — personalise your inflation rate)

📊 Inflation Results

$1,000 in 2010 is worth today:

$1,559

in 2026 dollars · BLS CPI-U

+55.9%

Cumulative Inflation

3.1%

Avg Annual Rate

—

Purchasing Power

Data: BLS CPI-U (All Urban Consumers, 1982–84 = 100). Annual averages used; 2026 based on latest available monthly data (Apr 2026). Formula: Adjusted = Amount × (CPI_end / CPI_start).

Key Inflation Figures

Original Amount

$1,000

Adjusted Amount

$1,559

Difference

+$559

CPI Start

218.1

CPI End

340.3

Years

Purchasing Power Impact

Real Value of $1,000 today

$641

Purchasing Power Lost

−35.9%

This shows what your original dollar amount can buy in end-year terms. If converting forward, it shows how much purchasing power you’ve lost relative to the start year’s dollar.

2026 Inflation by Category (YoY, Apr 2026)

⚡ Energy+17.9%

⛽ Gasoline+28.4%

🏠 Shelter+3.3%

💊 Medical Care Svc+4.2%

🍽 Food+2.3%

📦 Core CPI+2.8%

🚗 Transport (excl. gas)+1.2%

🎮 Recreation+4.2%

Source: BLS CPI News Release, April 2026 (released May 12, 2026)

US Annual Inflation Timeline 2018–2026

YearRateContextBar

20182.4%Fed tightening cycle

20192.3%Stable pre-pandemic

20201.2%COVID demand crash

20214.7%Post-pandemic surge

20228.0%40-year high · Ukraine war

20234.1%Fed rate hike impact

20242.9%Cooling but sticky shelter

20252.7%Near-target, tariff risk

20263.8%*Iran oil shock Apr 2026

*2026 = 12-month rate ending April 2026. Annual final = Dec 2026 BLS release. Sources: BLS CPI-U, Macrotrends.

Common Purchasing Power Benchmarks

$1,000 in 2020 → 2026 ~$1,258

$1,000 in 2015 → 2026 ~$1,418

$1,000 in 2010 → 2026 ~$1,559

$1,000 in 2000 → 2026 ~$1,885

$50,000 salary 2020 → 2026 Needs ~$62,900 to match

$1 in 2000 buying power today ~$0.53 in real terms

USA Inflation Calculator 2026: The Complete Guide

Our USA Inflation Calculator uses the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) — the official measure of US inflation since 1913. Enter any dollar amount, select a start and end year from 1990 to 2026, and instantly see the inflation-adjusted equivalent and purchasing power change.

⚡ Latest data: US inflation hit 3.8% for the 12 months ending April 2026 — the highest since May 2023 — driven by an energy price shock (gasoline +28.4%, fuel oil +54.3%) linked to the Iran war. Core inflation (ex-food & energy) is 2.8% YoY. Source: BLS CPI News Release, May 12, 2026.

How the USA Inflation Calculator Works

The BLS CPI-U tracks prices of a fixed basket of goods and services purchased by urban consumers — about 93% of the US population. The index is set at 100 for the 1982–84 average. Every month the BLS collects prices from roughly 22,000 retail establishments and 6,000 housing units across 75 urban areas.

Our calculator uses the formula: Adjusted Amount = Original Amount × (CPI End / CPI Start). For example, $1,000 in 2010 (CPI 218.1) adjusted to 2026 (CPI ~340) = $1,000 × (340 / 218.1) ≈ $1,559.

US Annual Inflation Rates 2000–2026

Year	Annual Rate	Key Driver
2019	2.3%	Stable pre-pandemic economy
2020	1.2%	COVID-19 demand collapse
2021	4.7%	Post-pandemic supply chain disruption
2022	8.0%	40-year high; Ukraine war energy shock
2023	4.1%	Fed rate hikes beginning to bite
2024	2.9%	Cooling inflation; sticky shelter costs
2025	2.7%	Near-target; tariff uncertainty
2026*	3.8%	Iran oil shock: energy +17.9%, gas +28.4%

*2026 = 12-month rate ending April 2026. Sources: BLS CPI-U, Macrotrends.

Cumulative Inflation Since 2020: The Real Picture

While the headline rate has fallen from its 2022 peak of 8.0%, cumulative inflation since January 2020 is approximately 25–26%. This means everyday prices are roughly a quarter higher than before the pandemic — food up ~25%, energy up ~26%, and shelter services up ~21% from their 2020 baseline. Even with inflation moderating, the absolute price level has not come down.

💡 Real salary check: If your salary was $60,000 in 2020 and hasn’t risen, you’re effectively earning about $47,600 in 2020 purchasing power today — a real-terms pay cut of more than $12,000. Use our calculator to find your salary’s equivalent in any year.

Inflation by Category: What’s Rising Fastest in 2026

The BLS divides the CPI basket into eight major categories. In 2026, the split is dramatic: energy is surging while apparel and some goods categories remain subdued. The Iran war oil shock drove gasoline up 28.4% year-on-year by April 2026, making energy the dominant inflation driver — exactly as the Ukraine war drove energy inflation in 2022.

Shelter remains stubbornly elevated at +3.3% YoY, well above the Fed’s 2% target. Owners’ equivalent rent of residences rose 4.2% in the Midwest in early 2026, highlighting how housing inflation continues to resist the Fed’s tightening cycle.

The Federal Reserve’s 2% Inflation Target

The Fed targets 2% annual inflation (measured by the PCE price index, though CPI-U is the most widely cited measure). A 2% rate is designed to support price stability while avoiding deflation. Current CPI of 3.8% (April 2026) remains nearly double the target, primarily because of the energy shock. The Fed’s benchmark federal funds rate decisions in 2026 are being driven by whether core inflation (2.8%) can return to 2% without the energy shock becoming entrenched.

Social Security COLA and Inflation

The annual Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is tied to the CPI-W (a closely related index). For 2026, Social Security benefits rose 2.8%, reflecting 2025 inflation. This COLA mechanism protects retirees from losing purchasing power — but when CPI rises sharply (as in 2022, when COLA was 8.7%), it also significantly increases Social Security’s total outlays. Retirees and those approaching retirement should use our calculator to model how inflation erodes fixed income over time.

Who Should Use This USA Inflation Calculator?

Workers checking if their salary has kept pace with inflation since any year.
Retirees projecting how savings will be eroded over 10–20 years.
Business owners adjusting historical costs for accurate financial comparisons.
Students & researchers converting historical dollar values for academic work.
Investors calculating real (inflation-adjusted) returns on assets.
Homebuyers comparing property values across different years in real terms.

For related financial tools, explore our USA Cost of Living Calculator, USA Mortgage Calculator, and 529 College Savings Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current US inflation rate in 2026? +

The US annual CPI-U inflation rate was 3.8% for the 12 months ending April 2026 — the highest since May 2023. This accelerated from 3.3% in March and 2.4% in January–February. Energy prices (+17.9% YoY, gasoline +28.4%) are the primary driver, linked to the oil shock from the Iran war. Core CPI (excluding food and energy) is 2.8% YoY. The next BLS release covering May 2026 is scheduled for June 10, 2026. Source: BLS USDL-26-0721.

How much has inflation been since 2020? +

Cumulative US inflation from January 2020 to mid-2026 is approximately 25–26%. This means $100 in January 2020 requires about $125–126 in 2026 to buy the same basket of goods. Food prices are up ~25%, energy ~26%, and shelter services ~21% from their 2020 baselines. Even though the annual inflation rate has fallen from the 2022 peak of 8.0%, the absolute price level remains permanently elevated.

What is the difference between CPI and core inflation? +

CPI (headline) measures the full basket of goods and services including food and energy — which are highly volatile. Core CPI excludes food and energy to show the underlying trend. In April 2026: headline CPI = 3.8% YoY (distorted by energy spike), core CPI = 2.8% YoY. The Federal Reserve watches core more closely for policy decisions because energy and food shocks are often temporary. Our calculator uses the headline CPI-U unless you select a specific category.

How does inflation affect my salary in real terms? +

Your real salary = Nominal salary / Cumulative CPI index change. If your nominal wage rose 10% from 2020 to 2026 but prices rose ~26%, your real purchasing power fell by about 16%. For your salary to have kept pace with inflation since 2020, a $50,000 salary needs to be roughly $63,000 today. Use our calculator above: enter your 2020 salary, set From 2020, To 2026 — the result shows how much you need to earn now to maintain the same living standard.

What is the BLS CPI-U and how is it calculated? +

The CPI-U (Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers) is the most widely used US inflation measure, covering about 93% of the population. The BLS collects prices monthly from ~22,000 retail establishments and ~6,000 housing units in 75 urban areas. The basket is weighted by spending patterns (housing ~33%, transportation ~15%, food ~14%, etc.) updated annually. The index base is 1982–84 = 100. In April 2026, the CPI-U all-items index was approximately 340, meaning prices are 3.4× what they were in the 1982–84 baseline period.

Why is inflation so high in 2026 after it was falling? +

Inflation had fallen from the 2022 peak of 8.0% to 2.4% by January 2026 — near the Fed’s 2% target. The re-acceleration to 3.8% in April 2026 is primarily driven by an energy price shock: the US–Israeli strikes on Iran and the resulting oil market disruption sent gasoline prices up 28.4% YoY and fuel oil up 54.3%. This mirrors the 2022 Ukraine war energy shock. Core inflation (2.8%) remains more stable, suggesting the re-acceleration may ease if energy markets stabilise.