US CPI · 1942 to 2025
$100 in 1942 is worth $1,974.85 today
$100 in 1942 has the same purchasing power as $1,974.85 in 2025. That is a 1874.8% increase in prices, or an average inflation rate of 3.66% per year. Prices first doubled from their 1942 level in 1967.
Inflation in 1942
10.9%
vs 1941
Total since 1942
1875%
16.3 → 321.9 CPI
Average per year
3.66%
83 years
1942 dollars in today's money
| 1942 amount | Value in 2025 |
|---|---|
| $1 | $19.75 |
| $10 | $197.48 |
| $20 | $394.97 |
| $50 | $987.42 |
| $100 | $1,974.85 |
| $500 | $9,874.23 |
| $1,000 | $19,748.47 |
| $5,000 | $98,742.33 |
| $10,000 | $197,484.66 |
| $50,000 | $987,423.31 |
| $100,000 | $1,974,846.63 |
How $100 from 1942 grew over time
The same $100 from 1942, measured in later years' dollars.
| Year | Equivalent of $100 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1947 | $136.81 | 37% |
| 1952 | $163.19 | 63% |
| 1962 | $185.89 | 86% |
| 1972 | $256.44 | 156% |
| 1992 | $860.74 | 761% |
| 2025 | $1,974.85 | 1875% |
Convert any amount
$100.00 in 1942 is worth
$1,974.85in 2025 dollars
Cumulative change
1874.8%
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 1942 worth today?
$100 in 1942 is worth about $1,974.85 in 2025. In other words, you would need $1,974.85 today to buy what $100 bought in 1942.
What was the inflation rate in 1942?
Consumer prices rose 10.9% in 1942 compared with 1941, based on CPI-U annual averages (14.7 → 16.3).
How much have prices gone up since 1942?
Prices are 1874.8% higher in 2025 than in 1942, an average inflation rate of 3.66% per year over 83 years. Today a dollar buys only what 5 cents bought in 1942.
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.