Stückpreises

Stückpreise, or Stückpreis, denotes the price assigned to a single unit of a product. The unit can be a piece (per Stück) or a standard measuring unit such as per kilogram, per liter, or per meter. The concept is widely used in retail to enable consumers to compare the cost of different package sizes or variants of the same product.

Calculation and example: To determine the price per unit, divide the total price by the quantity basis. For example, a bag containing five apples costs €3.00, so the Stückpreis is €0.60 per apple. Another example is a bottle of 1 liter priced at €2.50, which equals €2.50 per liter. Such unit prices help shoppers assess value regardless of package size.

Applications and regulation: In many countries, unit price labeling is required on shelves to aid price comparisons. The label typically shows the price per Stück, per Kilogramm, or per Liter along with the total price. Retailers use unit pricing to compete, and consumers often rely on unit prices to identify the most cost-effective option, including when choosing between brands, sizes, or packaging formats.

Benefits and limitations: Unit pricing improves transparency and facilitates comparison across products. However, it may not capture all value dimensions, such as convenience, quality, or freshness. Differences in the base unit (pieces versus weight) or rounding and promotions can also affect comparability. Consumers should ensure they compare the same unit basis when evaluating unit prices.