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Unit price calculator (which is cheaper)

Compare two products by unit price (kg, liter, item) and see which is the better deal.

Better deal
Product B
Unit price A$0.02
Unit price B$0.02
You save10%

Use the same unit for both (e.g. grams for A and B).

Interactive lesson: The math that sinks small businesses Buy at $100 and sell at $150: the margin is not 50%, it is 33%. See why the two numbers never match.

How the calculation works

Unit price reveals which product is actually cheaper when packs come in different sizes — the supermarket "value" test.

unit price = price ÷ quantity

The product with the lower unit price wins, even if its shelf price is higher.

Step-by-step example

Soap A: R$12 for 1.5 kg. Soap B: R$9 for 1 kg.

  • A: 12 ÷ 1.5 = R$8/kg
  • B: 9 ÷ 1 = R$9/kg

A costs more on the shelf but is cheaper per kilo.

Use the same unit

To compare, everything must be in the same measure (per kg, per liter, per 100 g). Convert first if needed.

Examples

  • Soda 2 L for R$8 vs 600 ml for R$3.50: 4.00/L vs 5.83/L → the 2 L wins.
  • Toilet paper: always compare per meter or per equal-length roll.

Frequently asked questions

Is the bigger pack always cheaper?

Not always — that is why you compare the unit price.

Is the bigger pack worth it even if cheaper per unit?

Only if you use it before it expires. Savings that turn into waste are not savings.

Don't many stores already show unit price?

Some do, in small print. But not always in the same unit across brands — worth checking.

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Updated on June 18, 2026 · by Rafael Rossi · Methodology & sources