Pizza Deal Calculator
Compare two pizzas by price per square inch and see which size is actually the better deal.
How it works
area = π × (diameter ÷ 2)² · cost per in² = price ÷ area — the lower one is the better deal
A pizza’s food is its area, and area scales with the square of the diameter, so a modest bump in inches is a big jump in pizza. Dividing each price by its area puts both pies on the same footing — dollars per square inch — no matter how different the sizes look on the menu. The one with the lower cost per square inch feeds you for less.
Worked example
A 12-inch pizza has area π × 6² = 113 in²; at $12 that’s $0.106/in². A 16-inch pizza has area π × 8² = 201 in²; at $18 that’s $0.090/in². Pizza B wins — it costs about 15% less per square inch and hands you roughly 78% more pizza.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the bigger pizza almost always the better deal?
Because area grows with the square of the diameter. Going from a 12-inch to a 16-inch pizza is only a third more diameter, but it’s about 78% more actual pizza — while the price rarely rises that fast. Two mediums almost never beat one large.
Does crust thickness change the comparison?
This tool compares the top surface, which works when both pizzas are the same style. A deep-dish or stuffed crust holds more food per square inch than a thin crust, so factor that in when comparing very different styles.
What about square or rectangular pizzas?
Use area = length × width instead of the circle formula, then compare price per square inch the same way. A 10-inch square pizza (100 in²) actually beats a 10-inch round one (79 in²) on food for the money.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.