Dollar Buying Power Calculator
Find out how much money from one year is worth in another using historical U.S. CPI data — what a dollar was worth then vs now.
Dollar buying power
Find out how much money from one year is worth in another using historical U.S. inflation (CPI) data — e.g. what $100 in 1990 buys in 2026.
Based on U.S. Consumer Price Index annual averages published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (BLS CPI-U). Figures are approximate; the most recent year may be estimated. Coverage: 1913–2026. Not financial advice.
$100.00 in 1990 ≈
$253.18
in 2026 dollars
153.18%
Price level change
36
Years apart
2.61%
Avg. annual change
$100.00 in 1990 had about the same buying power as $253.18 in 2026.
What the tool does
Dollar Buying Power Calculator compares what money from one year is worth in another using historical U.S. CPI-style data — then vs now purchasing power.
How to use it
- Enter an amount and the original year.
- Choose the comparison year.
- Review the equivalent buying power.
Supported formats
- USD amounts and calendar years covered by the dataset
Privacy & security
This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your data never leaves your device — nothing is uploaded to our servers.
FAQs
- What data powers this?
- It uses historical U.S. consumer price index style figures packaged with the tool for year-to-year comparisons.
- Is this exact for my city?
- CPI is a national-style index. Local prices for specific goods can differ.
- Do you collect the amounts I enter?
- No. Calculation is local.