Guides
How to Read Unit Pricing in Australia
$/100g, $/L, $/100ml — what it all means and why it matters.
Updated July 2026 · CheapAsMate
You're standing in the cereal aisle. There's a 500g box for $4.50 and a 750g box for $6.20. Which is better value? Unit pricing answers that instantly — but only if you know how to read it.
What unit pricing actually shows
Unit pricing converts any product to a standard cost-per-unit so you can compare sizes fairly:
| Product | Pack size | Price | Unit price | Better value? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weet-Bix | 575g | $4.50 | $0.78/100g | — |
| Weet-Bix | 1.2kg | $8.50 | $0.71/100g | ✓ 9% cheaper |
| Greek Yoghurt | 500g | $3.00 | $0.60/100g | — |
| Greek Yoghurt | 1kg | $5.50 | $0.55/100g | ✓ 8% cheaper |
When bigger isn't cheaper
Counterintuitively, supermarkets sometimes price smaller packs lower per unit during specials. A 250ml bottle of olive oil might be 30% off while the 750ml sits at full price — making the small bottle better value that week.
This is one of the most effective ways supermarkets obscure real value. CheapAsMate calculates unit price for every product and displays it on every card and product page.
Legal requirements in Australia
Under the Unit Pricing Code (mandatory from 2009), Coles and Woolworths must display unit prices on shelf labels and online listings. The code applies to grocery retailers with store floor space over 1,000m² or chains with more than $1 million annual turnover. Aldi and IGA are also covered. Independent corner stores generally are not.
The ACCC enforces the code. Fines apply for non-compliance — though in practice the major chains are generally compliant.
How to use unit pricing to shop smarter
- Compare the unit price, not the sticker price, when choosing between sizes
- Check unit price during specials — a half-price small pack beats full-price large
- Use $/100g for dry goods; $/L or $/100ml for liquids; $/kg for fresh produce
- Be cautious comparing different units — $/100g and $/L are not comparable for most products
Unit pricing on CheapAsMate
Every product on CheapAsMate shows calculated unit price alongside the shelf price. Search any product to compare sizes and stores side-by-side.
Search productsFrequently asked questions
What is unit pricing?
Unit pricing shows the cost per standard unit of measurement — typically per 100g, per 100ml, per litre, or per kilogram. It lets you compare products of different sizes on a level playing field.
Are Australian supermarkets required to show unit pricing?
Yes. Under the Australian Consumer Law and the Unit Pricing Code, Coles and Woolworths are required to display unit prices. The code applies to grocery retailers with floor space over 1,000m² or part of a chain with more than $1M turnover.
Is a bigger pack always better value per unit?
Usually, but not always. Supermarkets sometimes price smaller packs cheaper per 100g during specials to shift stock. CheapAsMate calculates and displays unit price for all products so you can see this instantly.
What does $/100g mean?
It means the price for 100 grams of the product. For example, a 500g bag of pasta at $2.50 has a unit price of $0.50/100g. A 1kg bag at $4.50 has a unit price of $0.45/100g — better value despite the higher sticker price.