Financial Literacy · Intermediate

Comparing prices: which is better value?

The cheapest price is not always the best value. Unit price — the cost per gram, litre or item — lets you compare fairly.

Ages
9+ (rough guide)
Level
Intermediate
Subject
Financial Literacy
Time
20 minutes
Format
Online + printable
Try it online Print worksheet & answers Online + Print
  1. 1Learn it
  2. 2See it worked
  3. 3Try it online
  4. 4Print it
  5. 5Check your answer

Before you start

Who it's for and what to know first

Dividing decimals by whole numbers; converting kg to g and litres to ml.

Learn it

How it works

  • Unit price = price ÷ quantity. Use the same unit for both options.
  • Converting pounds to pence first often makes division easier: £2.40 = 240p.
  • Many UK shelf labels show the unit price already — check it is the same unit (per 100 g vs per kg).
  • Multibuys (‘3 for 2’) are only good value if you will use them before they go off.

Worked example 1

Cereal: 500 g for £2.00 or 750 g for £2.70. Which is better value?

  1. Small: 200p ÷ 500 g = 0.4p per g.
  2. Large: 270p ÷ 750 g = 0.36p per g.
  3. 0.36p < 0.4p.

Answer: The 750 g box is better value.

Try it online · print it · check it

Practice questions

Work out the unit prices. Write which is better value, or the price asked for. Type your answer, then press Check answers.

Tips

Common mistakes

  • Comparing per 100 g with per kg.
  • Buying multibuys you do not need.

Where next?

EasierSaving pocket moneyChildren learn money habits early.Harder / next skillSimple and compound interestInterest is money paid for using money.RelatedVAT and discountsPercentage price changes.RelatedFractions of amountsFinding a fraction of an amount means working out, for example, 3/4 of 20 sweets or 2/5 of £45.MoreAll Financial Literacy resourcesPractical money skills at three stages: children learning coins and saving, teens getting their first payslip, and adults managing bills.

Last reviewed: 25 September 2026