What this calculation means
Purchase-form comparison puts two prepared or raw options on the same usable-quantity basis. Comparing sticker prices alone can hide a yield difference.
Preparation labor, equipment, quality, and supplier performance are outside this food-only comparison.
How to use this calculator
Enter each form’s purchase cost and already established usable quantity. Express both usable quantities in the same unit and preparation state.
Formula and variables
Form A unit cost = Form A purchase cost ÷ Form A usable quantity; Form B unit cost = Form B purchase cost ÷ Form B usable quantity
- Form A purchase costUSD
- Total purchase cost for form A.
- Form A usable quantitycommon unit
- Usable quantity after the stated yield adjustment.
- Form B purchase costUSD
- Total purchase cost for form B.
- Form B usable quantitycommon unit
- Usable quantity in the same comparison unit.
The comparison uses the unrounded unit costs. Supporting dollar unit costs display to cents; displayed ties can conceal a smaller unrounded difference.
Understand your result
The result identifies the lower usable food cost and lists the unit cost of both forms. A tie is reported when their calculated unit costs match.
Worked example
Compare form A at $30 for 14 usable lb with form B at $36 for 20 usable lb.
Form A purchase cost: 30 USD
Form A usable quantity: 14 common unit
Form B purchase cost: 36 USD
Form B usable quantity: 20 common unit
- Form A usable quantity is already entered as 14 lb: $30 ÷ 14 = $2.142857… per lb.
- Form B costs $36 ÷ 20 = $1.80 per usable lb.
- Form B is lower; both unit costs display to cents.
Example result: Form B has the lower usable cost
Frequently asked questions
Where do I enter the raw yield percentage?
This scenario takes usable quantities directly. Establish usable output beforehand, or use the raw-versus-prepped scenario that has a raw yield field.
What happens if the unit costs match?
The form reports both forms as having the lower usable cost rather than choosing an arbitrary winner.