Pizza Comparison Calculator
Compare pizza sizes and values to find the best deal based on area, price, and cost per square inch
Pizza Size & Value Comparison
First Pizza Option
Include price for value comparison
Second Pizza Option
Include price for value comparison
Pizza Comparison Results
First Option
Second Option
Comparison Summary
Real-World Example
Common Pizza Decision
Option A: 2 medium pizzas (12" each)
Total area: ~226 square inches
Cost: $24 ($12 each)
Option B: 1 large pizza (16")
Total area: ~201 square inches
Cost: $18
Analysis
Winner: Option A (2 medium pizzas)
Why: More total area (12% more pizza) but higher cost
Best value: Option B if you prioritize cost per area
The Math
Pizza area = π × (diameter ÷ 2)²
12" pizza = π × 6² = ~113 sq in
16" pizza = π × 8² = ~201 sq in
Larger pizzas typically offer better value per square inch!
Pizza Math Basics
Area Formula
Area = π × radius²
We eat the area, not the diameter!
Quadratic Growth
Area grows as diameter squared
Small increases in size = big area gains
Value Analysis
Compare price per area
Larger pizzas usually better value
Common Pizza Sizes
Pizza Ordering Tips
Larger pizzas almost always offer better value per area
An 18" pizza has more area than two 12" pizzas
Consider variety vs. value when choosing multiple small pizzas
Factor in leftover storage when deciding on size
One large pizza typically feeds 3-4 people
Understanding Pizza Geometry and Value
Why Area Matters
When ordering pizza, we don't eat the diameter or circumference—we eat the area! Pizza restaurants typically advertise the diameter, but the actual amount of food you get depends on the area, which grows exponentially with diameter increases.
The Scaling Problem
- •Area increases as the square of the diameter
- •A 16" pizza has 4x the area of an 8" pizza
- •Small increases in size = large increases in food
- •Larger pizzas typically offer better value
Mathematical Formula
Area = π × (diameter ÷ 2)²
Where π ≈ 3.14159
Value Comparison
To find the best value, calculate the price per unit area. Divide the total cost by the total area to get cost per square inch (or square centimeter). The option with the lowest price per area gives you the most food for your money.
Pro Tip: An 18" pizza typically has more area than two 12" pizzas, often at a similar or lower total price!