UK Inflation Calculator
Calculate what money was worth in the past, or what it would be worth today. See how inflation has affected purchasing power over time using official UK CPI data.
£100 in 2000 is equivalent to
£194
in 2026 (based on UK CPI)
Total Inflation
+94.1%
Annual Average
2.58%
Years Span
26
Multiplier
1.94x
What This Means
Prices have risen by 94.1% over this 26-year period. Something that cost £100 in 2000 would cost approximately £194 today. Your money has lost 48.5% of its purchasing power.
| Amount in 2000 | Equivalent in 2026 | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| £10 | £19 | +£9 |
| £50 | £97 | +£47 |
| £100 | £194 | +£94 |
| £500 | £970 | +£470 |
| £1,000 | £1,941 | +£941 |
| £5,000 | £9,704 | +£4,704 |
| £10,000 | £19,407 | +£9,407 |
24.2%
1975 - Oil crisis and economic turmoil
0.0%
2015 - Post-financial crisis stability
| Period | Average Inflation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1970-1979 | 12.5% | Oil crisis, stagflation |
| 1980-1989 | 7.4% | High early, fell under Thatcher |
| 1990-1999 | 3.8% | BoE independence, inflation targeting |
| 2000-2009 | 2.1% | Stable, financial crisis at end |
| 2010-2019 | 2.3% | Generally stable, Brexit spike |
| 2020-2024 | 5.8% | COVID, energy crisis, 10%+ peak |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CPI and RPI?
CPI (Consumer Price Index) and RPI (Retail Price Index) are both measures of inflation, but use different methodologies. CPI excludes housing costs like mortgage interest and council tax, while RPI includes them. The government uses CPI as the official measure. RPI is typically 0.5-1% higher than CPI.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator uses official UK CPI data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It provides a good general indication of how prices have changed, but inflation affects different goods and services differently. Your personal inflation rate may vary based on your spending habits.
Why does money lose value over time?
Inflation occurs when the general price level rises, reducing the purchasing power of money. This happens due to various factors including increased money supply, rising demand, supply chain issues, and rising production costs. Moderate inflation (around 2%) is considered healthy for an economy.
How has UK inflation changed historically?
UK inflation has varied significantly. The 1970s saw very high inflation (up to 24% in 1975). The 1990s-2010s were relatively stable (2-3% average). 2022-2023 saw a spike to over 10% due to energy prices and supply chain issues post-pandemic. The Bank of England targets 2% inflation.
How can I protect my money from inflation?
Consider: 1) Investing in assets that typically outpace inflation (stocks, property), 2) High-interest savings accounts and ISAs, 3) Premium Bonds and inflation-linked savings, 4) Paying off high-interest debt, 5) Salary negotiations to keep pace with inflation.
What does 'real terms' mean?
'Real terms' or 'real value' means an amount adjusted for inflation. For example, if your salary increased by 3% but inflation was 5%, your salary decreased by 2% in real terms - your purchasing power went down even though the number on your payslip went up.