Price Per Unit Calculator

The big box isn't always the better deal. Compare honestly.

How to use this calculator

Enter the price and package size for two options, then press Compare. Price per unit for each and the better deal are shown.

Worked example

A 16 oz jar at $3.20 is 20 cents per ounce, while a 24 oz jar at $4.50 is about 18.75 cents per ounce - so the bigger jar is genuinely cheaper per ounce despite the higher total price. The tool compares two packages and names the winner in price per unit.

Why stores make this hard on purpose

Package sizes are chosen so the per-unit math is awkward: 14.5 oz instead of a round number, "3 for $10" instead of a clean price. Computing the unit price is the only reliable way to compare because the sticker total can mislead.

What the result means

The winner is the package with the lower cost per unit of the same measure - per ounce, per gram, per count. Just confirm both packages use the same unit and are the same product type before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

Is the bigger package always the better deal?

Often but not always. Bulk sizes are sometimes priced at a premium, and perishables you cannot finish are a worse deal at any unit price.

The trick works both directions: check unit prices on things you buy repeatedly, like detergent, cereal and canned goods, and you will often find that the store brand is cheaper per ounce even when the name brand is on sale. A minute of math saves real money every week.