What is the inflation rate in Canada?
The current inflation rate in Canada is 1.7% as of April 2025 which is represented by the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the past twelve months.
This table shows the categories included in the calculation of the overall inflation rate for April 2025 of 1.7% and March 2025 of 2.3%:
| Category | March 2025 | April 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| All-items Consumer Price Index | 2.3% | 1.7% |
| Food | 3.2% | 3.8% |
| Shelter | 3.9% | 3.4% |
| Household operations, furnishings and equipment | 0.8% | 1.1% |
| Clothing and footwear | 0.2% | -0.8% |
| Transportation | 1.2% | -1.9% |
| Health and personal care | 2.5% | 1.9% |
| Recreation, education and reading | 0.9% | 1.4% |
| Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products and recreational cannabis | 2.4% | 2.1% |
Canada inflation calculator
This inflation calculator uses the consumer price index (CPI) to illustrate the change in price over time. The consumer price index looks to track the price of common purchases such as food, shelter, furniture, clothing, transportation and recreation. The increase in these goods over time is known as inflation.
Since it takes time to properly measure and report on the actual costs of these common purchases, the consumer price index data will typically be a month or two behind the present prices.
How to use this inflation calculator
To use this calculator start by entering a dollar amount in the year you want to start with. Next enter the year that you want to compare against. For example, if you wanted to see the equivalent value of $1000 in 1990 to 2025 you would enter $1,000 as the cost, 1990 as the base year and 2025 as the comparison year.
The value that it returns for 2025 is $2,108.39. This means that $2,108.39 in 2025 has the same purchasing power as $1,000 did in 1990. The calculator will then provide additional information such as the percentage change over time, the number of years that have elapsed between the two dates and the annual rate of inflation or deflation if there was a decline in the value of money over this period of time.
What is inflation?
Inflation refers to the increase in the price over a period of time. When the price of these common purchases increase each Canadian dollar is now able to purchase fewer goods and services resulting in a reduction of the purchasing power. When this works in reverse it is known as deflation where a Canadian dollar is now able to purchase more goods and services.
The Bank of Canada looks to control inflation by adjusting interest rates using the monetary policy.
Data on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Canada is based on the monthly series provided by Statistics Canada.