Consumer Price Index (CPI) Formula

Finance Formula • Published on July 30, 2026 • Last updated August 09, 2026

Mathematical Equation

$$\text{CPI} = \left( \frac{\text{Cost of Market Basket in Current Year}}{\text{Cost of Market Basket in Base Year}} \right) \times 100$$

Variable Definitions

Cost in Current Year

Total cost of representative consumer basket in target year

Cost in Base Year

Total cost of exact same basket in benchmark base year

CPI

Consumer Price Index value (Base year value = 100)

Detailed Explanation

In-Depth Guide

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change over time in prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services.

How to Calculate: Step-by-Step

1. Identify items and quantities in consumer basket. 2. Compute total basket cost in base year. 3. Compute total basket cost in target year. 4. Divide current cost by base year cost. 5. Multiply by 100 to get CPI value.

Worked Calculation Example

If a consumer basket cost ₹10,000 in base year 2012, and costs ₹16,500 in 2024: - CPI = (16,500 / 10,000) × 100 = 165. This indicates a 65% total increase in consumer prices since base year.

Common Use Cases

  • Measuring consumer inflation rate
  • Dearness Allowance wage adjustments
  • Indexing tax brackets and financial contracts

Frequently Asked Questions

A CPI of 100 represents the base year reference benchmark.

CPI is published monthly by national statistical organizations.

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