Unit Price Calculator (Compare Two Products)
Bigger packages are not always cheaper. Enter the price and size of two options — the calculator names the winner and the savings.
| Option A unit price | — |
| Option B unit price | — |
| Cheaper by | — |
Unit price: the only honest price
Unit price = Package price ÷ Quantity
A 12 oz jar at $4.49 costs 37.4¢/oz; the 24 oz "value size" at $7.99 costs 33.3¢/oz — genuinely 11% cheaper. But the reverse happens constantly: retailers know shoppers assume big = cheap, so the large size is sometimes priced above the small one per unit. The only defense is dividing.
Traps that beat the shelf label
- Shrinkflation: the package shrinks (14.5 oz "pound" cans) while price holds. Unit price catches it; the total price does not.
- Mismatched shelf units: stores sometimes label one brand per-ounce and its neighbor per-pound or per-100-count, breaking easy comparison. Recalculate in one unit.
- Bulk waste: the cheaper unit price loses if a third spoils. The real unit price is price ÷ amount you actually use.
- Multi-buy offers: "2 for $7" versus $3.89 each — that is a unit-price question too ($3.50 vs $3.89).
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate unit price?
Divide the price by the quantity. $4.49 for 12 oz = 37.4 cents per ounce. Compare that number across sizes and brands — same unit on both sides.
Is the bigger package always cheaper?
No. Usually, but retailers sometimes price the large size higher per unit precisely because shoppers assume it is cheaper. Always check — this calculator takes five seconds.
What is shrinkflation?
Cutting package size while keeping price — a hidden price increase. Ice cream "half gallons" at 48 oz and "pound" coffee at 12 oz are classic cases. Unit price exposes it instantly.
Does buying in bulk save money?
Only if you use it all before it expires and the unit price is genuinely lower. Spoiled bulk food has an infinite unit price.
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Last updated: 2026-07-08