U.S. Inflation Calculator and Inflation Rate Charts Updated with New 2008 CPI Figures

The U.S. Inflation Calculator may be used to measure the change in buying power of the U.S. dollar over any period from 1913-2008. The updated inflation charts provide a quick snapshot of current and historical rates since 1989.

The CoinNews U.S. Inflation Calculator and annual Rate of Inflation Charts now use the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) March figures provided by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics and released on April 16, 2008.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics March inflation figures

According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices rose 0.3 percent in March. That was less than the 0.4 percent forecasted by many economists. Cheaper clothing helped hold down overall prices despite the March 1.9 percent increase in energy prices.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.9 percent in March, before seasonal adjustment, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. The March level of 213.528 (1982-84=100) was 4.0 percent higher than in March 2007.

What’s the real world meaning of some of these figures? For a snapshot, that may be more comprehensible to the non economist, the CoinNews Inflation Calculator provides insights.

Examples of the Inflation Calculator

Using the calculator, anyone can determine the purchasing power of the dollar over time. A few examples after adjusting for inflation:

• An item purchased in 1913 for $1 would now cost $21.57
• An item purchased in 1950 for $10 would now cost $88.60
• An item purchased for $20 in 1985 would now cost $39.69

Mixed dates may also be used with the Inflation Calculator. As examples:

• An item purchased today for $20 would have cost $10.08 in 1985
• An item purchased for $1 in 1970 would have cost $3.37 in 1990

Updated Annualized Inflation Rate Charts

The CoinNews inflation page includes two updated charts indicating the:

• Annual Averages for Rate of Inflation
• Annual Percent Changes for Rate of Inflation

The Inflation Calculator and Rate of Inflation Charts use the latest available 2008 monthly CPI index numbers, which are the just released March figures.

While the Inflation Calculator is more of a general financial interest tool, specific numismatic calculators and tools may be found via the CoinNews menu: "COIN PRICING & COLLECTOR TOOLS".