Free Cost Per Item Calculator
Calculate the cost per item by dividing the total cost by the number of items.
How the Cost Per Item Calculator Works
The Cost Per Item Calculator is a simple yet powerful tool that helps calculate the cost of individual items when the total cost and the number of items are known. This is especially useful for teachers, students, and anyone looking to understand basic arithmetic concepts like division and unit rates.
How It Works

The formula for calculating the cost per item is:
Cost Per Item = Total Cost ÷ Number of Items
Steps:
- Input the Total Cost: Enter the total amount paid for all items.
- Input the Number of Items: Enter how many items were purchased.
- Perform Division: Divide the total cost by the number of items to get the cost per item.
- Display the Result: The calculator shows the cost of one item.
Key Applications:
- Shopping to determine the better deal.
- Budgeting for classroom supplies or groceries.
- Teaching fundamental arithmetic and division concepts.
Our price / quantity calculator — also called unit price calculator — lets you compare products of various different quantities and prices.
10 Examples for Teachers
Here are 10 simple examples with step-by-step solutions that teachers can use as guides to explain how the Cost Per Item Calculator works.
Example 1: Candy Pack
Total Cost: $12
Number of Items: 6 candies
Solution: Cost Per Item = $12 ÷ 6 = $2
Example 2: Pencils Box
Total Cost: $15
Number of Items: 10 pencils
Solution: Cost Per Item = $15 ÷ 10 = $1.50
Example 3: Apples
Total Cost: $8
Number of Items: 4 apples
Solution: Cost Per Item = $8 ÷ 4 = $2
Example 4: Books
Total Cost: $50
Number of Items: 5 books
Solution: Cost Per Item = $50 ÷ 5 = $10
Example 5: Pizza Slices
Total Cost: $24
Number of Items: 8 slices
Solution: Cost Per Item = $24 ÷ 8 = $3
Example 6: Erasers
Total Cost: $9
Number of Items: 3 erasers
Solution: Cost Per Item = $9 ÷ 3 = $3
Example 7: Notebooks
Total Cost: $36
Number of Items: 12 notebooks
Solution: Cost Per Item = $36 ÷ 12 = $3
Example 8: Bananas
Total Cost: $7
Number of Items: 7 bananas
Solution: Cost Per Item = $7 ÷ 7 = $1
Example 9: Pack of T-Shirts
Total Cost: $75
Number of Items: 5 t-shirts
Solution: Cost Per Item = $75 ÷ 5 = $15
Example 10: Ice Cream Cones
Total Cost: $20
Number of Items: 4 cones
Solution: Cost Per Item = $20 ÷ 4 = $5
Classroom Tips
- Visualize with Objects: Bring physical objects (candies, pencils, etc.) to make the concept tangible for students.
- Discuss Practical Scenarios: Use relatable examples like grocery shopping or school supplies.
- Reinforce Division: Emphasize how division is used to find “per item” rates.
Other USeful Resources
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Unit Price – Math is Fun- Learn about unit prices with examples and explanations.
CK-12: Understanding Unit Rates
– A comprehensive guide to unit rates and cost per item calculations.
Khan Academy: Ratios and Rates
– Free lessons on ratios and rates, including cost per item examples.
Education.com: Unit Rate Worksheet
– Practice problems for calculating unit rates and costs per item.
Math Planet: Solving Unit Rates
– A detailed explanation of how to solve unit rate problems.
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