What is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. Indexes are available for the U.S. and various geographic areas. Average price data for select utility, automotive fuel, and food items are also available.

What is the CPI inflation calculator?

The CPI inflation calculator uses the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) U.S. city average series for all items, not seasonally adjusted. This data represents changes in the prices of all goods and services purchased for consumption by urban households.

What is the difference between CPI and inflation?

The difference between the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation is a source of confusion for many. At its easiest level, the Consumer Price Index in the United States is used to calculate inflation. Thus, their similarities are better understood based on that relationship even if the details of their differences are not.