Unit Price Comparison

Compare two products by price per unit to spot the better value.

Better value

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Product A per unit

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Product B per unit

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Compare like with like — use the same unit for both. The best value is only a saving if you will use it.

The honest price comparison

Shops price products in whatever pack size suits them, which makes the shelf price a poor guide to value. Dividing price by quantity gives the price per unit — the only fair way to compare options of different sizes.

unit price = price ÷ size

The lower unit price is the better value. The calculator also shows how much cheaper it is in percentage terms, which often reveals that the larger or own-brand option saves more than the sticker prices suggest.

Worked example

Product A at $3.00 for 500 g works out to $0.0060 per gram; Product B at $5.00 for 1,000 g is $0.0050 per gram. Product B is the better value — about 17% cheaper per gram despite the higher sticker price.

Shopping with the unit price

Many shelf labels show a unit price in small print, but units and rounding vary, and promotions muddy the picture. Working it out yourself, in a unit that suits you, keeps comparisons clean — especially for multi-buys and "bonus pack" deals.

Smart shopping notes

Same unit both sides. Grams vs kilograms will mislead you.
Mind the multi-buy. "3 for 2" changes the effective unit price.
Value needs use. Cheaper per unit only helps if it doesn’t go to waste.

This is general information, not financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

Why compare price per unit?

Because package sizes differ, the sticker price alone can mislead. Reducing each to a price per gram, millilitre or item makes a fair, like-for-like comparison.

Is the bigger pack always cheaper per unit?

Usually, but not always — promotions, pack formats and "premium" small sizes can flip it. That is exactly why checking the unit price is worthwhile.

What unit should I use?

Any, as long as both products use the same one. Grams or millilitres suit groceries; "items" works for things sold by count, like batteries or capsules.

Does value mean I should buy the bigger pack?

Only if you will use it. A lower unit price is no saving if the product spoils or goes unused, so weigh value against how much you actually need.