Which is the Better Buy? - Detergent

A typical dilemma when shopping is to determine which product to buy based on price. In order to make a comparison, the unit price must be determined. The unit price tells how much one will pay per ounce, pound, gram, etc. For example:






A) Tide Original Scent with ActiLift, 32-Load Bottles (Pack of 2) [Frustration- Free Packaging]


B) Tide Original Scent with ActiLift, 100.0-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 4)

The information given above makes it hard to compare. The first choice, A, is described by loads and the second choice is described as ounces.

What do you do?

1. Since the options above are sold as multi-pack, determine the cost of one bottle.
Cost per bottle = price / # of bottles in pack

Choice A – $16.99 divided by 2 = $8.50 per bottle
Choice B - $56.80 divided by 4 = $14.20 per bottle

2. Determine cost per ounce
Take a closer look to find how many ounces are in both choices, and calculate the unit price. If you are in the store, generally you'll find the number of ounces at the bottom of the label. I was able to determine the ounces with a little research online.
Choice A –1 bottle has 50 ounces.
Choice A: unit cost = price / # of ounces
$8.50 / 50 = $0.17 per ounce

Choice B –1 bottle has 100 ounces.
Choice B: unit cost = price / # of ounces
$14.20 / 100 = $0.14 per ounce<\b>


So the lowest price and better buy isTide Original Scent with ActiLift, 100.0-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 4)