How to Calculate and Compare Unit Prices at the Store

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Know what unit price is.

   The unit price of a product is basically what the cost of each pound, ounce or gram, square foot or meter, etc., of the product is.
   
   In some grocery stores and supermarkets, the unit prices are shown with the total price but this isn't always available, so it's important to know how to work this out for yourself.
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   Step 2: Know the calculation formula of unit prices.

   The math figure is Cost of Item / Quantity = Unit Price.
   
   Simple examples are provided below: 18 oz of peanut butter is $2.79 $2.79 divided by 18 = $0.16 per ounce 20 ball point pen package is $3.00 $3.00 divided by 20 = $0.15 per pen. , For example: 24 oz of vegetable oil from Store A is $2.49, which is $0.10 per ounce 32 oz of vegetable oil from Store B is $2.99, which is $0.09 per ounce In this example, the better bargain is from Store B.
   
   You're paying $0.50 more overall, but you're also paying less per ounce. , At times when you use coupons in your transactions, the unit prices really change and can affect what you choose from the shelves.
   
   Let's use the example from above with a "Save $0.50 off one 24 ounce or larger vegetable oil" coupon, but Store A doubles all coupons up to $0.99. 24 oz of vegetable oil from Store A is $2.49, now $1.49 with doubled coupon 32 oz of vegetable oil from Store B is $2.99, now $2.49 with coupon Store A's current unit price is $0.06, while Store B's unit price is $0.07.
   
   Because of Store A's doubled coupon price, the unit price changed and is now lower than Store B, thus getting 24 oz of vegetable oil is a better deal than 32 oz. , You can also calculate with other types of units, for example 4 versus 8 toilet paper rolls or the different amount of loads/ounces of laundry detergent.
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   Step 3: Compare unit prices from different brands and sizes to know if you're getting the most out of your money.

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   Step 4: See how coupons can really affect final prices.

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   Step 5: Experiment by comparing store brands to manufacturer brands.

Detailed Guide

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