US CPI · 1938 to 2025
$100 in 1938 is worth $2,282.98 today
$100 in 1938 has the same purchasing power as $2,282.98 in 2025. That is a 2183.0% increase in prices, or an average inflation rate of 3.66% per year. Prices first doubled from their 1938 level in 1958.
Inflation in 1938
-2.1%
vs 1937
Total since 1938
2183%
14.1 → 321.9 CPI
Average per year
3.66%
87 years
1938 dollars in today's money
| 1938 amount | Value in 2025 |
|---|---|
| $1 | $22.83 |
| $10 | $228.30 |
| $20 | $456.60 |
| $50 | $1,141.49 |
| $100 | $2,282.98 |
| $500 | $11,414.89 |
| $1,000 | $22,829.79 |
| $5,000 | $114,148.94 |
| $10,000 | $228,297.87 |
| $50,000 | $1,141,489.36 |
| $100,000 | $2,282,978.72 |
How $100 from 1938 grew over time
The same $100 from 1938, measured in later years' dollars.
| Year | Equivalent of $100 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 | $122.70 | 23% |
| 1948 | $170.21 | 70% |
| 1958 | $204.96 | 105% |
| 1968 | $246.81 | 147% |
| 1988 | $839.01 | 739% |
| 2025 | $2,282.98 | 2183% |
Convert any amount
$100.00 in 1938 is worth
$2,282.98in 2025 dollars
Cumulative change
2183.0%
Average per year
3.66%
Nearby years
See the full US inflation calculator and year-by-year table.
Frequently asked questions
How much is $100 in 1938 worth today?
$100 in 1938 is worth about $2,282.98 in 2025. In other words, you would need $2,282.98 today to buy what $100 bought in 1938.
What was the inflation rate in 1938?
Consumer prices fell 2.1% in 1938 compared with 1937, based on CPI-U annual averages (14.4 → 14.1).
How much have prices gone up since 1938?
Prices are 2183.0% higher in 2025 than in 1938, an average inflation rate of 3.66% per year over 87 years. Today a dollar buys only what 4 cents bought in 1938.
Disclaimer: These are estimates based on published tax rates for a single employee with standard deductions and no other income. Your actual pay depends on your tax code, benefits, credits and local taxes. This site is for information only and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Check with your tax authority or a qualified professional before making decisions.