Unit Rate Calculator

This unit rate calculator finds how much you get per single unit, by dividing an amount by a quantity. Enter the total amount, such as a price, and the quantity, such as a weight or a number of items, and the calculator returns the unit rate, for example dollars per kilogram or cost per item, plus the inverse rate. Unit rates make it easy to compare value between different pack sizes or speeds, and they turn up constantly in shopping, cooking, travel and science. The formula, a worked example and the assumptions are set out below.

Amount (e.g. price)

Quantity (e.g. units)

Inverse (units per 1 amount)

Quantity

The formula

The unit rate is the amount divided by the quantity: rate = amount / quantity. It expresses the amount for exactly one unit. The inverse rate, quantity divided by amount, gives units per single amount.

Worked example

If 3 kilograms cost 12 dollars, the unit rate is 12 / 3 = 4 dollars per kilogram, and the inverse is 0.25 kilograms per dollar. Enter 12 and 3 to confirm.

Frequently asked questions

What is a unit rate?

A rate with a denominator of one, such as price per kilogram or kilometres per hour. Divide the amount by the quantity.

How does it help me compare prices?

Putting different pack sizes onto the same per unit basis shows which is genuinely cheaper.

What is the inverse rate?

The quantity per single unit of amount, found by dividing the quantity by the amount.

Who this calculator is for

This calculator is for students and anyone needing a quick, reliable result.

What this calculator assumes

You enter valid numbers.
The standard formula is applied.
Results are rounded for display.

Formula and sources

Related calculators

Scientific Calculator: general scientific maths.
Percentage Calculator: percentages and changes.
Ratio Calculator: simplify and scale ratios.

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