Inflation Calculator
U.S. Inflation Rate, 1904-2017 ($1)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index, the dollar experienced an average inflation rate of 2.94% per year. Prices in 2017 are 2545.0% higher than prices in 1904.
In other words, $1 in the year 1904 is equivalent in purchasing power to $26.45 in 2017, a difference of $25.45 over 113 years.
The inflation rate in 2017 was 1.99%.
| Cumulative price change | 2545.00% |
| Average inflation rate | 2.94% |
| Price difference ($1 base) | $25.45 |
| CPI in 2017 | 244.786 |
Inflation rates for specific categories
Gasoline (all types) · Educational books and supplies · Film and photographic supplies · MoreNews headlines from 1904
Politics and news often influence economic performance. Here's what was happening at the time:
- Japanese troops land at Chemulpo in Korea in order to advance toward the border of Manchuria.
- US gains control of the Panama Canal Zone for a total of $10 million.
- The St Louis Police force use fingerprints as an investigative method for the first time.
Inflation Data Source
Raw data for these calculations comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index (CPI), established in 1913. Inflation data from 1665 to 1912 is sourced from a historical study conducted by political science professor Robert Sahr at Oregon State University.
You may use the following MLA citation for this page: “$1 in 1904 → 2017 | Inflation Calculator.” FinanceRef Inflation Calculator, Alioth Finance, 17 Apr. 2018, http://www.in2013dollars.com/1904-dollars-in-2017?amount=1.