Unit Price Calculator
Enter the size and price of two items — like a store brand vs name brand. We'll tell you which is cheaper per ounce, pound, or unit.
About unit price
What is unit price and why does it matter?
Unit price is the cost per single unit of measurement — per ounce, per pound, per count. Stores are required by law in most states to display unit prices on shelf labels, but they can be hard to find and compare. A bigger package is not always cheaper per unit. A sale price is not always a better deal than the regular price of a competing brand.
Is buying in bulk always cheaper?
Not always. Bulk packages usually have a lower unit price, but not in every case. Some stores actually charge more per unit for larger sizes, especially for store brands vs name brands. Always compare the unit price before assuming bulk is better. Use our Bulk vs Regular calculator above to find out.
How much can comparing unit prices save me?
Studies show that consistent unit price comparison can save the average family $500–$1,500 per year on groceries. The savings add up quickly when you apply it to items you buy every week — cereal, meat, cleaning products, snacks, and beverages.
Bulk vs Regular Size
Enter the size and price of the regular package, then the size and price of the bulk package. We'll tell you which is actually cheaper.
Regular Size
Bulk Size
Meat Price Calculator
Compare different cuts or packages. Find out the real price per pound after accounting for bone and fat.
About meat prices
Is bone-in meat actually cheaper?
Bone-in meat usually has a lower sticker price per pound, but you are paying for the weight of the bone. A bone-in chicken breast at $2.99/lb may actually cost more per edible ounce than a boneless breast at $3.99/lb, depending on the bone percentage. Family packs almost always offer the best price per pound for boneless cuts.
When is the best time to buy meat?
Most grocery stores markdown meat that is approaching its sell-by date, typically in the morning. Check the meat section early on weekdays. Family packs are almost always cheaper per pound than individual cuts. Buying in bulk and freezing is one of the most effective ways to reduce your grocery bill.
Grocery Budget Calculator
How much should you be spending on groceries? Find out your per-person, per-meal budget breakdown.
About grocery budgeting
How much should I spend on groceries per week?
According to the USDA, the average monthly grocery cost for one adult ranges from $257 (thrifty plan) to $465 (liberal plan). For a family of four, the moderate cost plan runs approximately $1,000–$1,200 per month. These are national averages — costs vary significantly by location, dietary needs, and shopping habits.
What are the best ways to reduce my grocery bill?
The most effective strategies are: meal planning before shopping, buying store brands instead of name brands (usually 20–30% cheaper with similar quality), comparing unit prices on every purchase, buying proteins in bulk and freezing, shopping seasonally for produce, and reducing food waste by using what you buy.
Sale Price Checker
Is that sale actually a good deal? Enter the original price and discount to find out the real savings.
About sale prices
Are BOGO deals always worth it?
Buy One Get One deals are only worth it if you will actually use both items before they expire. BOGO on non-perishables is almost always a great deal. BOGO on produce or perishables is only worthwhile if you can eat both portions in time. Never buy something you don't need just because it's BOGO.
How do I know if a sale price is actually a deal?
Compare the sale unit price against the regular unit price of competing brands. Stores sometimes raise the original price before putting an item on sale to make the discount look bigger. The best way to know if something is genuinely on sale is to track regular prices over several weeks.
Organic vs Regular
Is organic worth the premium? See the exact cost difference per serving and per year.
About organic food
Is organic food always worth the premium?
It depends on the item. The Environmental Working Group publishes an annual "Dirty Dozen" list of produce with the highest pesticide residues — these are the items where organic is most worth considering. For items on the "Clean Fifteen" list, the pesticide difference is minimal and regular is usually fine.
What is the average premium for organic food?
Organic food typically costs 20–100% more than conventional equivalents. The premium varies widely by product category. Organic dairy and meat tend to have the highest premiums. Organic canned goods and frozen vegetables often have smaller price gaps.