Unit Rate Calculator
Calculate unit rates and compare prices. Find the rate per unit.
Try:
Common Unit Rate Examples
Speed: miles per hour (mph)
Price: dollars per item
Fuel: miles per gallon (mpg)
Typing: words per minute
How to Use
- Enter the first quantity and its unit
- Enter the second quantity and its unit
- Click "Calculate Unit Rate"
- View both unit rate calculations
What is Unit Rate Calculator?
A unit rate is a ratio that compares a quantity to one unit of another quantity. For example, if you drive 120 miles in 2 hours, your unit rate is 60 miles per hour. Unit rates help compare different options and make decisions.
Formula
Unit Rate Formula:
Unit Rate = Total Quantity ÷ Number of Units
Example: $15 for 3 items = $5 per item
Examples
- Speed: 300 miles / 5 hours = 60 mph
- Price: $12 / 4 items = $3 per item
- Fuel: 400 miles / 10 gallons = 40 mpg
- Typing: 500 words / 10 minutes = 50 wpm
FAQ
How do unit rates help with comparison shopping?
Unit rates let you compare prices regardless of package size. For example, a $3.60 for 12 oz ($0.30/oz) is cheaper than $2.50 for 8 oz ($0.31/oz), even though the total price is higher.
What's the difference between a rate and a unit rate?
A rate compares two quantities with different units (like 120 miles in 2 hours). A unit rate expresses that comparison per ONE unit (60 miles per 1 hour, or 60 mph).
Can unit rates have decimals?
Yes! Unit rates are often decimals. For example, if 3 items cost $10, the unit price is $3.33 per item. This is perfectly normal and useful for accurate comparisons.