UK Inflation Rate: 3.1% (August 2026)
CPI inflation was 3.1% in the 12 months to August 2026, compared with 3.8% a year earlier.
Inflation rate by month
| Month | CPI annual rate | CPI index (2015 = 100) |
|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | 3.1% | 143.6 |
| July 2026 | 2.9% | 142.9 |
| June 2026 | 2.6% | 142.5 |
| May 2026 | 2.8% | 142.4 |
| April 2026 | 2.8% | 142.1 |
| March 2026 | 3.3% | 141 |
| February 2026 | 3% | 140.1 |
| January 2026 | 3% | 139.5 |
| December 2025 | 3.4% | 140.1 |
| November 2025 | 3.2% | 139.5 |
| October 2025 | 3.6% | 139.8 |
| September 2025 | 3.8% | 139.3 |
| August 2025 | 3.8% | 139.3 |
| July 2025 | 3.8% | 139 |
| June 2025 | 3.6% | 138.9 |
| May 2025 | 3.4% | 138.4 |
| April 2025 | 3.5% | 138.2 |
| March 2025 | 2.6% | 136.5 |
| February 2025 | 2.8% | 136 |
| January 2025 | 3% | 135.4 |
| December 2024 | 2.5% | 135.6 |
| November 2024 | 2.6% | 135.1 |
| October 2024 | 2.3% | 135 |
| September 2024 | 1.7% | 134.2 |
What it means
The inflation rate is the speed at which prices rise. At 3.1%, something that cost £100 a year ago costs about £103.10 now. The Bank of England aims to keep inflation at 2% and uses the Bank Rate to do it.
- Is your pay rise keeping up? Check with the pay rise calculator.
- Do your savings beat inflation? See average savings rates.
- What was your money worth in the past? Use the inflation calculator.
Source: ONS: CPI annual rate (D7G7). Figures fetched 12 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK inflation rate?
CPI inflation was 3.1% in August 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics. That means prices were 3.1% higher than a year earlier.
What is the Bank of England inflation target?
2%, measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI).
What is the difference between CPI, CPIH and RPI?
CPI is the main official measure. CPIH adds housing costs of owner occupiers, and RPI is an older measure that is no longer a National Statistic. Benefits and pensions are usually uprated using CPI.
How does inflation affect my money?
When inflation is higher than the interest on your savings or the rise in your pay, you can buy less than before. Use the inflation calculator to see the effect.
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.