What a unit rate is
A unit rate is a ratio where the second number is 1. $12 for 8 items is $1.50 per item. Unit rates make it easy to compare prices, speeds and wages.
How to use it
- Enter the total amount (a price, miles, words, and so on).
- Enter how many units it covers (items, hours, ounces).
- Optionally add a quantity to find its total.
- Press Find unit rate.
The method
Unit rate = amountunits
$12 for 8 items ⇒ 128 = $1.50 per item
20 items ⇒ 1.50 × 20 = $30
Examples you can try
| Situation | Unit rate |
|---|---|
| $12 for 8 items | $1.50 per item |
| 150 miles in 3 hours | 50 miles per hour |
| $7.50 for 5 pounds | $1.50 per pound |
| 480 words in 8 minutes | 60 words per minute |
Where people use it
- Grocery shopping: compare a 12 oz box with a 20 oz box by price per ounce.
- Driving: miles per gallon or miles per hour.
- Work: hourly pay from a total and the hours worked.
Tips
- Use the same units when you compare two prices. Pounds with pounds, ounces with ounces.
- The calculator also shows the reverse rate, such as 0.67 items per dollar.
- For unequal shares of a total, try the ratio split calculator.
Want to learn the method?
How to simplify a ratio, step by stepRead our short guide with worked examples you can follow on paper.
Frequently asked questions
How do you find a unit rate?
Divide the first quantity by the second. $12 for 8 items is 12 ÷ 8 = $1.50 per item.
What is the difference between a rate and a ratio?
A rate compares two different kinds of quantity, such as dollars and items. A ratio can compare any two numbers.
How do I compare two prices?
Find the unit rate of each one in the same unit. The smaller price per unit is the better deal.
What is a unit price?
The price for one unit, such as one ounce or one item.
Can the units be zero?
No. You cannot divide by zero, so the number of units must be greater than zero.