Purchasing Power Calculator

Compare the value of the US dollar across different years

Purchasing Power Calculator

Amount ($)

Start Year

End Year

Understanding Purchasing Power

Purchasing power refers to the quantity of goods or services that one unit of money can buy. As inflation increases, purchasing power decreases. This calculator uses CPI data to show how the value of a dollar changes over time.

Historical Context

The US dollar has lost significant purchasing power over the decades. What cost $1 in 1990 would cost approximately $2.50 in 2026 due to cumulative inflation.