Inflation Calculator
U.S. Inflation Rate, 1998-2015 ($100)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index, the dollar experienced an average inflation rate of 2.23% per year. Prices in 2015 are 45.4% higher than prices in 1998.
In other words, $100 in the year 1998 is equivalent in purchasing power to $145.41 in 2015, a difference of $45.41 over 17 years.
The inflation rate in 2015 was 0.12%.
| Cumulative price change | 45.41% |
| Average inflation rate | 2.23% |
| Price difference ($100 base) | $45.41 |
| CPI in 1998 | 163 |
| CPI in 2015 | 237.017 |
Inflation rates for specific categories
Baby food · New trucks · Juices and nonalcoholic drinks · More
How to calculate the inflation rate for $100, 1998 to 2015
Start with the inflation rate formula:CPI in 2015 / CPI in 1998 * 1998 USD value = 2015 USD value
Then plug in historical CPI values. The U.S. CPI was 163 in the year 1998 and 237.017 in 2015:
237.017 / 163 * $100 = $145.41
$100 in 1998 has the same "purchasing power" as $145.41 in 2015.
News headlines from 1998
Politics and news often influence economic performance. Here's what was happening at the time:
- Osama Bin Laden declares a Jihad against Jews and Crusaders.
- The Good Friday Agreement is accepted in a referendum in Northern Ireland.
- President of the US Bill Clinton admits that he had an "improper physical relationship" with an intern and then denied it in the same day. The event has come to be known as the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
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: “1998 dollars in 2015 | Inflation Calculator.” FinanceRef Inflation Calculator, Alioth Finance, 18 Apr. 2018, http://www.in2013dollars.com/1998-dollars-in-2015.