Unit Price Calculator
Multipacks: type the quantity as 6 x 12 (6 cans of 12 oz).
A unit price calculator shows what you pay per ounce, pound, liter or item, so you can tell which size or brand is really the better deal. Enter each product's price and size, and it converts the units, works out every unit price and shows how much cheaper the best one is.
The lowest unit price is the better deal, if you'll use it all
How to Calculate Unit Price
Unit price = Price ÷ Quantity. Work it out for each product in the same unit, then pick the lowest.
Comparing Different Units
Convert to the same unit before you compare. The calculator does this automatically; here are the conversions it uses.
| Type | Conversion |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb = 16 oz · 1 oz ≈ 28.35 g · 1 kg = 1,000 g ≈ 2.2 lb |
| Volume | 1 gal = 4 qt = 128 fl oz · 1 L = 1,000 ml ≈ 33.8 fl oz |
| Count | rolls, sheets, loads, items: compare per item |
Pounds vs Ounces
1.5 lb for $6.00 vs 20 oz for $4.50. 1.5 lb is 24 oz.
Fluid Ounces vs Liters
64 fl oz for $3.99 vs 1.5 L for $2.79. 1.5 L is about 50.7 fl oz.
Compare by What's Inside
Roll sizes, can sizes and sheet counts vary, so compare by the smallest unit, not the package.
Unit Price on a 4 Function Calculator
One division per product on any basic calculator, plus a multiplication if the units differ.
12 oz for $4.80
1.5 lb for $6
"2 for $5", 15 oz Each
Is Bigger Always Cheaper?
Usually the larger size has the lower unit price, but not always.
Sales Flip the Answer
A discount on the small size can push its unit price below the big one. Recheck the unit price whenever something is on sale.
Waste Costs Money
A bulk bag is only cheaper if you use it before it spoils. Throwing away a third of it can cancel out the savings.
Compare Brands Too
Store brands are often cheaper per unit than name brands of the same size, so add both to the calculator.
Read How to Compare Prices by Unit Price for shelf-tag tips, cost per use and practice problems.
Explore Other Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate unit price?
Divide the price by the quantity. A 12-ounce box for $4.80 costs 4.80 ÷ 12 = $0.40 per ounce. Compare products using the same unit.
Is the bigger package always cheaper?
Usually, but not always. Sales, coupons and store brands can make a smaller package cheaper per unit, and a bigger package is only a better deal if you use it all before it spoils.
How do I compare products sold in different units?
Convert them to the same unit first. 1 pound is 16 ounces, so 1.5 lb for $6 is 24 oz, or $0.25 per ounce. Compared with 20 oz for $4.50 ($0.225 per ounce), the 20-ounce package is cheaper. The calculator converts units for you.
How do I compare multipacks?
Use the total amount. A 12-roll pack with 250 sheets per roll has 12 × 250 = 3,000 sheets. Type the quantity as 12 x 250 and the calculator multiplies it for you. Comparing by sheet is fairer than by roll, because roll sizes differ.
What is the unit price of a “2 for $5” deal?
Divide the deal price by the number of items: $5 ÷ 2 = $2.50 each. Then divide by the size of each item to compare per ounce or per liter with other products.
Why do shelf tags show different units?
Stores sometimes show one product per ounce and a similar one per pound or per count. Make sure two tags use the same unit before comparing them, or convert them with this calculator.