Pack sizes and prices are designed to be hard to compare. The unit price on the shelf label cuts through that.
Quick wins
- The unit price shows the cost per ounce, pound, liter or item, so you can compare different pack sizes.
- Bigger packs are often cheaper per unit, but not always.
- Compare the same unit across products, and do the math if labels use different units.
- The lowest unit price only saves money if you’ll use the whole pack.
The price on a product tells you what you’ll pay today. The unit price tells you what you’re actually getting for your money.
Reading the label
Many stores show a unit price on the shelf label, such as cost per ounce, per pound or per count. It’s usually smaller than the main price, so look for it.
| Product | Price | Size | Unit price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice, small bag | $2.50 | 2 lb | $1.25 per lb |
| Rice, large bag | $9.00 | 10 lb | $0.90 per lb |
| Rice, “deal” bag | $5.00 | 4 lb | $1.25 per lb |
In this example, the large bag is the best value, and the “deal” is no cheaper than the small bag.
When bigger isn’t better
- Sale prices on small packs can beat the unit price of large ones.
- Food that spoils before you finish it costs more than its unit price suggests.
- Some large packs simply cost more per unit.
Money saver
Use your phone’s calculator: divide the price by the quantity. It takes seconds and avoids being misled by pack sizes or “family size” labels.
Comparing tricky products
Watch for labels that use different units for similar items, such as per ounce on one and per count on another. Convert them to the same unit before comparing. For products like detergent, compare the cost per load, since concentrations differ.
Worth a look
Unit prices also expose “shrinkflation,” when a pack gets smaller while the price stays the same. The unit price rises even though the shelf price doesn’t.
Making it routine
Check unit prices for the things you buy most often, and note the best options so you don’t have to compare every week. Pair this with the habits in our guide to grocery shopping on a budget.
You might be wondering
Where do I find the unit price?
Many stores print it on the shelf label, often in smaller type near the main price. Online stores usually show it beneath the price.
What if two labels use different units?
Convert one to match the other, for example price per ounce to price per pound by multiplying by 16.
Do multi-buy deals have better unit prices?
Sometimes, but not always. Check the unit price of the deal against the regular single pack.
These tips are general information. Prices, plans and programs vary by provider and location, so check the details with your provider before you switch or sign up.