General · Economics
Canada CPI inflation calculator.
Convert dollars between any two months using the real Statistics Canada Consumer Price Index, not a guessed rate. Also shows the raise a salary needs to keep pace.
Equivalent = amount × CPI at the later month ÷ CPI at the earlier month. Between August 2021 (CPI 142.6) and August 2026 (CPI 169.8), $1,000 became $1,190.74: prices rose 19.1%.
Inputs
Equivalent value
Enter an amount and two months, then press Calculate.
How the calculation works
The tool uses the all-items Consumer Price Index for Canada (2002 = 100, not seasonally adjusted). Equivalent value = amount × CPI(to) ÷ CPI(from). The annualised rate is (CPI(to) ÷ CPI(from)) raised to 1 ÷ years, minus 1, with years measured in months divided by 12.
Worked example
CPI was 142.6 in August 2021 and 169.8 in August 2026. $1,000 × 169.8 ÷ 142.6 = $1,190.74. Put the other way, $1,000 in 2026 buys what $839.81 bought in 2021. Across those five years that is about 3.6% a year.
Salary adjustment and cost-of-living raise
If you earned $60,000 in August 2021, an equal-purchasing-power salary in August 2026 is $60,000 × 169.8 ÷ 142.6 = $71,444.60, a raise of 19.07%. Anything less is a real pay cut in terms of what the paycheque buys, before taxes and personal spending differences. Use the amount field for your salary. Compare it with your actual raise using the percentage calculator.
Limits
The CPI measures the average price change of a fixed national basket. Your own inflation depends on what you buy (rent, food, fuel), where you live, and tax changes. Treat the result as a benchmark, not a guarantee. Only published monthly values are used; there is no forecast.
Sources: Bank of Canada Valet API, series V41690973 (Total CPI); Statistics Canada Table 18-10-0004-01, Consumer Price Index, monthly, not seasonally adjusted. Data snapshot fetched 30 September 2026; latest month in the snapshot is August 2026 (169.8, released 14 September 2026). When your browser can reach the Bank of Canada or Statistics Canada feeds, the tool refreshes to the newest months automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Which CPI does this use?
The total (all-items) CPI for Canada, Statistics Canada table 18-10-0004-01, vector v41690973, with 2002 = 100.
How do I calculate the raise I need to keep up with inflation?
Enter your old salary and the month you earned it, then the current month. The result is the salary with the same purchasing power; the percentage change is the minimum raise to break even.
Why is the latest month a month or two old?
Statistics Canada publishes the CPI about mid-month for the previous month. The tool shows the latest published value, not an estimate.
How is this different from the other inflation calculator?
The inflation calculator projects with a rate you type in. This one looks up actual CPI values, so it reflects what prices really did.
Informational only
Results are based on published CPI index values and are not financial, legal or wage-negotiation advice. Your personal cost of living will differ from the national average.