Key Points
How do I calculate consumer price index?
CPI = (Cost of the Market Basket of Goods in the Current Year / Cost of the Market Basket of Goods in the Base Year) x 100
Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index is a measure of the average changes in prices over time for certain goods and services. It is available for the United States and various other areas, and also includes average price data for select utilities, automotive fuels, and food items. This index is updated annually using a single calendar year of data.
Utilities, Automotive Fuels and Food Items
The CPI also provides average price data for select utilities, automotive fuels, and food items. This data is included in the Consumer Price Index and can be used to monitor the changing prices of common consumer goods and services.
Annual Updates
The CPI is updated annually using a single calendar year of data. This helps to ensure that the index accurately reflects changes in prices over time, allowing economists and policy makers to track the cost of living and make informed decisions.