Calculating Index Changes - When Prices Change Over Time
Calculating index changes is one of the several steps involved when evaluating an economy, such as when measuring inflation. Computing could be a daunting task, but there are formulas that are simple enough to understand. Knowing how to calculate percent changes helps in obtaining the right economic data.
Author:James PierceReviewer:Alberto ThompsonNov 14, 202292 Shares92.3K Views
In the process of determining consumer price levels, calculating index changeswill be inevitable.
Prices of goods and services can change every week - even more so in every month and in every year. In the U.S., the government monitors these changes in the prices of commodities.
Its Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is under the Department of Labor, is the one in charge of checking and assessing said price levels in the country. Every month, the BLS publishes the Consumer Price Index (CPI)report.
The CPI, as explained by QuickMBA.com, is a kind of price index pertaining to a basket of goods. This basket of goods represents what consumers would commonly buy monthly.
By calculating index changes, the BLS would know the percentage change in prices.
The Consumer Price Index and Your Experience of Price Change
Index Change Meaning
Financial site Investopedia describes an index as a kind of “tool” used to measure something, such as inflation. In this case, an index can be utilized as an economic indicator.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is used to measure inflation.
As for the term “index change,” (as this article focuses on calculating index changes), one good explanation can be found from Law Insider, a legal research website:
“„Index Change means the Producer Price Index is no longer published or the method of calculating the Producer Price Index is changed so that the Producer Price Index no longer reflects general increases in prices in the broad United States economy.- Law Insider
It was mentioned previously that prices tend to change over a given period. One example would be gasoline. The price of gas is higher during summer than in winter (when less people drive).
Now as stated above, the Producer Price Index (PPI) shows the overall price increases of goods in America.
Index changes are about price changes.
As their respective names already suggest, both the CPI and the PPI measure price changes. The former, however, is about the prices paid by consumers while the latter deals with the prices paid to the producers.
CPI Index Change
In the Consumer Price Index (CPI) - October 2022 reportprepared by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on November 10, 2022, the index changes involved several increases.
In calculating index changes, the figures below (and the increase that happened) will be considered.
The 0.4 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), as indicated in the BLS report for September 2022, happened again in October (same percentage).
The indexes for food, electricity, and gasoline rose (the index for natural gas went down, though).
Over the month, there was a 0.6 percent increase in the food index and a 1.8 percent increase in the energy index.
In September, all items had a 0.6 percent increase. In October, they (excluding electricity and food items) experienced another increase - at 0.3 percent.
Calculate Index Change
There are formulas devised when calculating index changes.
Per Ireland’s Central Statistics Office, to calculate the change in price of certain items or goods between, for example, January 2021 and December 2021, here are the steps:
1. Divide “Latest Index Number” by “Earlier Index Number.”
2. Then multiply the answer to 100.
3. Lastly, subtract 100 from the answer.
So, that would be December 2021 (the latest) Index Number divided by January 2021 (the earlier one) Index Number times 100. Finally, from the result of that equation, subtract 100.
In calculating index changes, one may use that formula.
To get the percent change, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics would first get the difference of the index values of an item for Year I and Year II.
For example, Item A’s index value for Year I was 110.000 and for Year II, 128.000. Their difference is 18.000, which will then be referred to as the change in index points.
To get the percent change, divide the change in index points by the index value for Year I. Then multiply the answer to 100.
Based on the example above, that will be: 18.000 divided by 110.000 times 100. The answer is 16.4, which is the percent change.
People Ask
What Is The Change In CPI?
That change in the Consumer Price Index, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, refers to the change in prices of the basket of goods and services in a given period of time.
What Causes The CPI To Change?
For Investopedia, that will be substitution. It refers to the change in what consumers buy as a result of price changes.
What Is The Formula For Price Change?
From TheBalanceMoney.com, use this formula when computing for the percentage change: (New Price - Old Price) / Old Price x 100.
Final Thoughts
Calculating index changes is important as the results will serve as a guide when making economic assessments and providing economic data.
There are uncomplicated formulas available to make the computation fast and easy.
The next time people find themselves getting asked to perform a task that involves calculating index changes, they just need to use the appropriate formulas.
James Pierce
Author
James Pierce, a Finance and Crypto expert, brings over 15 years of experience to his writing. With a Master's degree in Finance from Harvard University, James's insightful articles and research papers have earned him recognition in the industry.
His expertise spans financial markets and digital currencies, making him a trusted source for analysis and commentary. James seamlessly integrates his passion for travel into his work, providing readers with a unique perspective on global finance and the digital economy.
Outside of writing, James enjoys photography, hiking, and exploring local cuisines during his travels.
Alberto Thompson
Reviewer
Alberto Thompson is an acclaimed journalist, sports enthusiast, and economics aficionado renowned for his expertise and trustworthiness. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Economics from Columbia University, Alberto brings over 15 years of media experience to his work, delivering insights that are both deep and accurate.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Alberto enjoys exploring the outdoors, indulging in sports, and immersing himself in literature. His dedication to providing informed perspectives and fostering meaningful discourse underscores his passion for journalism, sports, and economics. Alberto Thompson continues to make a significant impact in these fields, leaving an indelible mark through his commitment and expertise.
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