Unit Price Calculator
Which pack is really cheaper? Enter the price and size of up to four products, including multipacks and different units like ounces and pounds, and see the price per unit with the best deal highlighted.
e.g. 6 for a 6-pack
How to use the Unit Price Calculator
- Enter the price of the first product.
- Enter the size and unit, and the number of items if it is a multipack (for example 12 cans of 12 fl oz).
- Add the other products you want to compare; C and D are optional.
- Choose the unit to compare by, or leave it on automatic.
- Press Compare (results also update as you type) and look for the best-value product at the top.
Unit price formula
Unit price = price ÷ (items in pack × size of each item), after converting every product to the same unit.
Example: a 16 oz jar for $3.49 costs $0.218 per oz. A 3 lb tub (48 oz) for $7.99 costs $0.166 per oz, so the tub is about 24% cheaper per ounce even though its sticker price is higher.
Unit conversion reference
| Unit | Equals |
|---|---|
| 1 pound (lb) | 16 oz = 453.59 g |
| 1 ounce (oz) | 28.35 g |
| 1 kilogram (kg) | 1,000 g = 35.27 oz = 2.205 lb |
| 1 US fluid ounce (fl oz) | 29.57 ml |
| 1 US cup | 8 fl oz = 236.6 ml |
| 1 US pint | 16 fl oz = 473.2 ml |
| 1 US quart | 32 fl oz = 946.4 ml |
| 1 US gallon | 128 fl oz = 3.785 liters |
| 1 liter | 1,000 ml = 33.81 fl oz |
| 1 yard | 3 feet = 0.9144 m |
Tips for comparing prices in a store
- Shelf tags often show a unit price, but stores sometimes use different units for neighbouring products (per oz vs per lb). Recalculate here with one unit.
- For paper towels and toilet paper, compare by sheet count or square feet, since "mega" and "double" rolls vary in size.
- Include multipack deals ("2 for $5") by entering the combined price and the total count.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate unit price?
Divide the price by the total quantity. A 16 oz jar for $3.49 costs 3.49 ÷ 16 = $0.218 per ounce. For multipacks, total quantity = number of items × size of each item.
Can I compare ounces with pounds or grams?
Yes. All weights are converted to the same unit before comparing (1 lb = 16 oz = 453.59 g), and all volumes likewise (1 liter = 33.81 US fl oz). You cannot compare a weight with a volume, because that would need the product's density.
Is the bigger package always cheaper?
No. Larger sizes are often cheaper per unit, but not always, especially when a smaller size is on sale. That is why comparing the unit price is the reliable way to find the best deal.
What's the difference between oz and fl oz?
Ounces (oz) measure weight and fluid ounces (fl oz) measure volume. Shelf labels for drinks and liquids use fl oz, while dry foods use oz. Choose the unit printed on the package.
Should I always buy the lowest unit price?
Only if you will use it all. A bulk pack that spoils or goes unused can cost more than a smaller one. Also consider storage space and whether the products are truly the same quality.
Which units are US or imperial?
Fluid ounces, cups, pints, quarts and gallons here are US customary measures. A US gallon is 3.785 liters and a US fluid ounce is 29.57 ml.