Unit Rate Calculator
Calculate unit rates, compare ratios, and find the best deals
Calculate Unit Rate
Results
Example Calculations
Speed Calculation
Problem: A car travels 240 miles in 4 hours
Formula: Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Calculation: 240 ÷ 4 = 60
Answer: 60 miles per hour
Unit Price Calculation
Problem: 12 apples cost $3.60
Formula: Unit Price = Total Cost ÷ Number of Items
Calculation: $3.60 ÷ 12 = $0.30
Answer: $0.30 per apple
Wage Calculation
Problem: Earned $150 in 10 hours
Formula: Hourly Wage = Total Earnings ÷ Hours Worked
Calculation: $150 ÷ 10 = $15
Answer: $15 per hour
Common Unit Rates
Speed
Distance per unit time
miles/hour, km/hour
Unit Price
Cost per item
$/item, $/pound
Rate of Work
Output per unit time
items/hour, $/hour
Fuel Economy
Distance per fuel unit
miles/gallon, km/liter
Unit Rate Tips
Unit rate = Quantity ÷ Unit
Always express as "per 1 unit"
Lower unit price = better deal
Higher speed/wage = better rate
Check units match for comparison
Understanding Unit Rates
What is a Unit Rate?
A unit rate is a rate where the denominator is 1. It tells you how much of something per one unit of something else. Unit rates make it easy to compare different quantities and make informed decisions.
The Unit Rate Formula
Unit Rate = Quantity ÷ Unit
This simple division gives you the amount per one unit, making comparisons straightforward and meaningful.
Why Use Unit Rates?
- •Compare prices when shopping
- •Calculate speed and efficiency
- •Determine hourly wages
- •Analyze fuel consumption
Real-World Applications
Shopping
Compare $2.40 for 3 apples vs $1.75 for 2 apples
$0.80/apple vs $0.875/apple → First option is better!
Travel
300 miles in 5 hours vs 180 miles in 3 hours
60 mph vs 60 mph → Same speed!
Work
$480 for 8 hours vs $360 for 6 hours
$60/hour vs $60/hour → Same hourly rate!
Key Reminders
- • Lower unit price: Better deal when shopping
- • Higher unit rate: Better for speed, wages, productivity
- • Same units: Make sure you're comparing like with like
- • Round appropriately: Consider context for decimal places