Unit rate calculator
In the unit rate calculator, $4.80 for 16 ounces is 4.80 ÷ 16 = $0.30 an ounce, and $6.60 for 24 ounces is $0.275 an ounce, so the larger size costs less per ounce.
Unit rate
- Unit rate 4.8 ÷ 16. When A is a price, this is the unit price.
- 0.3 per 1
- The other way round 16 ÷ 4.8: how much quantity one unit of A buys.
- 3.333333 per 1 of A
- Second unit rate 6.6 ÷ 24.
- 0.275 per 1
- Lower unit rate For prices, the lower unit price is the better buy. For speeds or pay, the higher rate is the better one.
- the second, by 0.025 per 1 (8.33% less)
How the Ratio Calculator works
A unit rate is a rate with 1 in the denominator: how much of one quantity goes with one of another. The formula is unit rate = amount ÷ quantity. 150 miles in 2.5 hours is 150 ÷ 2.5 = 60 miles per hour.
A unit price is the unit rate of a price, and it is how two package sizes are compared. $4.80 for 16 ounces is $0.30 an ounce, and $6.60 for 24 ounces is 6.60 ÷ 24 = $0.275 an ounce. The larger package costs $0.025 less per ounce, which is 8.33% less, so it is the better buy as long as all of it gets used.
Put the quantity being compared in the denominator, and use the same unit for both items. To compare 12 ounces with 1 pound, convert first: 1 pound is 16 ounces.
The rate can be read the other way round as well. 16 ÷ 4.80 = 3.333333 ounces per dollar, and in that form the higher figure is the better buy.
A unit rate turns any amount into a proportion: at $0.30 an ounce, 20 ounces cost 20 × 0.30 = $6.00, and at 60 miles per hour, 210 miles takes 210 ÷ 60 = 3.5 hours.
Ratio Calculator FAQ
How do you find the unit rate?
Divide the first quantity by the second. 300 words in 5 minutes is 300 ÷ 5 = 60 words per minute.
Is the bigger package always cheaper per unit?
No. $3.00 for 10 ounces is $0.30 an ounce, and $7.50 for 24 ounces is $0.3125 an ounce, so here the smaller package is cheaper per ounce.
What is the difference between a rate and a unit rate?
A rate compares two different quantities, such as 120 miles in 2 hours. A unit rate is the same rate per one of the second quantity: 60 miles per hour.