Why is cost per unit important for shopping?

Cost per unit lets you compare products of different sizes on an equal basis. A larger package may look more expensive at first glance but can have a lower per-unit cost, making it a better deal. It helps you make informed purchasing decisions and save money over time.

Can I compare different unit types with this calculator?

Yes. This calculator supports units like pieces, ounces (oz), pounds (lb), grams (g), kilograms (kg), liters (L), milliliters (mL), gallons, and quarts. You can compare products using the same unit type to find the best deal.

Is bigger always cheaper per unit?

Not always. While bulk sizes often have a lower cost per unit, this is not guaranteed. Stores sometimes price smaller packages more competitively during sales. Always check the per-unit cost before assuming a larger size is a better deal.

How does this calculator handle different currencies?

This calculator works with any currency. Select your preferred currency symbol (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.) from the options, and all results will be displayed in that currency. The math works the same regardless of the currency used.

Cost Per Unit Calculator

Calculate the cost per unit for any product and compare up to 4 items side by side to find the best deal. Works with any currency and unit type.

Your data is processed entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to any server.

Currency

Unit Type

Decimal Places

Item 1

Product Name (optional)

Total Price

Quantity / Size

pieces

Item 2

Product Name (optional)

Total Price

Quantity / Size

pieces

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Compare up to 4 products at once. Instantly see which option gives you the lowest cost per unit with color-coded results.

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Multiple Unit Types

Works with pieces, weight (oz, lb, g, kg), volume (mL, L, gal, qt), and length (ft, m). Pick the right unit for your product.

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100% Private

Everything runs in your browser. No data is sent to any server. Your pricing information stays completely private.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate cost per unit?

Divide the total price by the number of units. For example, if a 24-pack of soda costs $12.99, the cost per unit is $12.99 / 24 = $0.54 per can. This calculator handles the math automatically for any price and quantity you enter.

Why should I compare cost per unit when shopping?

Products come in different sizes and quantities, making direct price comparisons misleading. A $5 bottle of shampoo might seem cheaper than a $12 bottle, but if the $12 bottle has 3x more product, it's actually a better deal. Cost per unit normalizes prices so you can compare fairly.

Is buying in bulk always cheaper per unit?

Not always. While bulk sizes often have a lower cost per unit, stores sometimes offer promotions on smaller sizes that make them the better deal. Seasonal sales, clearance pricing, and coupons can all change the equation. Always calculate the per-unit cost before assuming bulk is cheaper.

What unit types does this calculator support?

This calculator supports: pieces/items (for packaged goods), weight units (ounces, pounds, grams, kilograms), volume units (milliliters, liters, gallons, quarts), and length units (feet, meters). Choose the unit that matches the product sizing on the label.

How does this calculator work?

This calculator runs entirely in your browser with no server requests. Enter the total price and quantity for each product, select your unit type, and click Calculate. It divides price by quantity for each item, then highlights the best deal in green and the worst in red so you can quickly see which product offers the most value.