How to Compare Unit Prices
Start with price divided by quantity. Work through weight, volume, and count comparisons, and learn when a small price difference matters.
Everyday shopping decisions
Shopping guides
A lower sticker price, a larger box, and a bright sale tag can each point to a different purchase. These guides show how to put the numbers on the same basis, then consider the things a unit price cannot tell you: whether you need the quantity, have room for it, and will use it.
Start with unit prices if you are comparing different sizes for the first time. If a promotion is the confusing part, choose the guide that matches the offer. All prices in the examples are illustrative, so you can follow the arithmetic without needing a particular store or product.
Bigger Package vs. Smaller Package: Is Bigger Really Cheaper?
Compare small and large packages, then account for what you can actually use, store, and afford to buy today.
Multipacks, BOGO & Multi-Buy Deals: How to Compare Them
Turn bundle prices and buy-one-get-one offers into a total price and total quantity you can compare.
Sale Price vs. Unit Price: Which Deal Actually Saves More?
Check whether a discount beats another package or brand, with examples of percentage savings, coupons, and checkout costs.
How to Compare Mixed Units Without Misleading Math
Convert ounces and pounds, grams and kilograms, and milliliters and liters—and recognize measurements that should stay separate.
When the Lowest Unit Price Is Not the Whole Decision
Put unit price beside shelf life, storage, cash outlay, promotion restrictions, and your household’s actual usage.
Have the package details ready?
Use Compare Deals for up to five options, the Buy X Get Y Calculator for BOGO promotions, the Coupon Comparator for sale and coupon combinations, or browse the worked examples. Our methodology explains supported units, multipacks, promotion groups, ties, discounts, and usage rates.