Percentages and unit prices

The numeracy self-assessment includes calculating percentages and comparing similar products with different cost structures to determine the best value.

A percentage is a number out of 100. 10% of 80 is 8, because 10 out of every 100 parts of 80 is 8. 50% of a price is half of it. 25% of $40 is $10. If a sign says 20% off a $20 item, you take off $4, so the reduced price is $16 (before any tax that a store may add). This course will not tell you which tax rate applies where you live.

The Office of Consumer Affairs (a Government of Canada office) explains per unit pricing: the price of a product using one set unit, often by weight (kilogram or gram) or volume (litre or millilitre), or sometimes per item. That makes it easier to compare two packages that are different sizes. Cereal boxes can look the same size but hold different amounts.

The same page says unit pricing is required in Quebec. In the rest of Canada, including Alberta, many stores show it voluntarily, but they do not all display it the same way, and the unit price may be in smaller print. A “sale” price is not always the better value — compare the price per kilogram or per litre when you can.

This is shopping numeracy, not advice to buy or avoid a brand.