$100 in the 1980s
See what a familiar amount from an inflationary decade would be worth today.
Example: A$100 in 1985What would an old Australian dollar amount be worth today?
Enter a year and amount in Australian dollars to estimate its value at 2025 prices. The main result stays in Australian dollars; a recent exchange rate is used only for the optional comparisons below.
Calculator
Price comparisons use annual data through 2025. Only optional currency conversions use a recent exchange rate.
What currency was it in?
Display currency
What would it be worth in each year?
An estimate based on prices in each yearAUD AUD
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—What was that money worth in today’s Australian dollars?
Enter an amount and year to see roughly what it would represent today. For house prices, investments or pre-decimal money, choose the matching guide.- 01
Choose the date and denomination
The calculator begins in 1966, when Australia introduced decimal currency. For an earlier amount in pounds, shillings and pence, use the RBA’s pre-decimal calculator linked below.
- 02
See the amount in today’s dollars
The calculator compares everyday Australian prices then with prices today and gives you an easy-to-read estimate.
- 03
Read the result in context
Read it as an estimate in today’s money, then consult earnings, property, product or investment data if that is what the original amount represents.
Four local questions that need more than one number
An old price, a weekly pay packet, a pre-decimal account and a house deposit all require a different second layer of evidence.Average weekly earnings
Compare the amount paid at the time with consumer prices, while keeping average, median and individual earnings distinct.
Example: A$250 a week in 1985Pounds, shillings and pence
Convert £sd to the 1966 decimal-dollar denomination before applying any price comparison.
Example: under the 1966 rule, £10 became A$20Savings and house deposits
See what the cash amount would be worth today without presenting CPI as property appreciation or an investment return.
Example: an A$10,000 deposit in 1990Australian money field guides
Three local guides cover $100 in 1985, weekly pay versus inflation and the 1966 move from £sd to dollars.1980s PRICESWhat was $100 in 1985 worth today?Calculate a familiar amount with the Australian CPI.→PAY AND PRICESWeekly pay then and nowSee whether average earnings beat consumer prices.→C-DAY 1966From pounds, shillings and pence to dollarsConvert the denomination first and inflation second.→
See all Australia guidesCheck CPI, earnings and decimalisation
ABS publishes prices and earnings; the RBA provides older figures and explains their limits; official currency sources explain the 1966 changeover.Consumer Price Index, AustraliaABS releases, data tables and methods for the national CPI.↗RBA Inflation CalculatorLong-run calculator covering calendar-year, financial-year and quarterly comparisons.↗Average Weekly EarningsABS earnings figures for different groups of employees and types of pay.↗Pre-decimal Inflation CalculatorRBA calculator for pounds, shillings and pence, with source and comparability notes.↗Decimal currencyRoyal Australian Mint history of C-Day on 14 February 1966.↗
What this Australian estimate does—and does not—answer
What does the result show?
It shows roughly how much money would be needed today for a similar range of everyday purchases.
Why does the Australian-dollar calculator begin in 1966?
The Australian dollar began on 14 February 1966, so this calculator starts there. The RBA’s separate pre-decimal calculator covers older pounds, shillings and pence.
Did Australian dollars exist in 1955?
No. Australia used pounds, shillings and pence until 14 February 1966. The £1 = A$2 rule restates the denomination only; use a pre-decimal price source to compare the amount with today’s prices.
What was the official decimal conversion?
The new dollar equalled ten shillings, so one Australian pound equalled two Australian dollars.
Are calendar-year and financial-year results the same?
No. They average different quarters. Use the convention that matches the original amount and label it clearly.
Does CPI show how much a house increased in value?
No. CPI is not a residential property-price index. It can put a cash amount into today’s money, not show the home’s market value.
Is average weekly earnings the typical person’s pay?
Not necessarily. An average differs from a median and from individual hours, occupation, sex and employment arrangement.
Why are all results shown in today’s money?
Using one year’s prices makes Australian-dollar amounts from different years easy to compare on the same basis.