Money from years ago buys differently today. Convert a past amount to current dollars.
This calculator converts a past dollar amount into today's dollars using an average annual inflation rate.
The tool takes an amount from an earlier year and grows it by your chosen average inflation rate for each year up to the target year. The result estimates how many of today's dollars it would take to match the buying power of that past sum. This is useful for putting old prices, salaries, or savings into perspective against current money.
Real inflation was not a single steady rate; it varied year to year and spiked in some decades, so using one average smooths over that history. For precise figures, an official price index for the exact years is more accurate than a flat rate. The calculator also reflects general inflation, not the price change of any specific item, which may have risen faster or slower. Use it as an illustration, not a definitive record.
An average rate gives a quick estimate, but actual inflation varied by year, so an official price index will be more precise for exact figures.
You can project forward by entering a future target year and an assumed rate, though future inflation is uncertain.
No, it reflects general inflation; individual items like housing or electronics can change price much faster or slower than average.
See the exact formula and a worked example on our methodology page.