Enter what you paid for each ingredient, the size of the package, and how much the recipe uses. The calculator works out the cost of each ingredient, the total recipe cost and the cost per serving.
Private by design: this calculator runs entirely in your browser. The numbers you type are not sent to us or stored anywhere.
| Ingredient | Package price ($) | Package size | Amount used | Cost |
|---|
Total: $0.00
Per serving: $0.00
Use the same unit for package size and amount used (for example, both in ounces or both in cups). Results are estimates for your own budgeting.
How to use it
- Price: the shelf or receipt price of the whole package, e.g. 2.49 for a box of pasta.
- Package size: how much is in the package, e.g. 16 for a 16-oz box.
- Amount used: how much the recipe uses in the same unit, e.g. 8 for half the box.
- Servings: how many portions the recipe makes.
Worked example
If a 16-oz box of pasta cost you $2.00 and the recipe uses 8 oz, the pasta costs $2.00 × (8 ÷ 16) = $1.00. Add up every ingredient the same way, then divide by the number of servings.
Tips for accurate results
- Use your most recent receipt — prices change often.
- For pantry items such as spices or oil, a small estimate is fine; they usually add only a little per serving.
- Count only what the recipe uses, not the whole package. Leftover ingredients go toward future meals.
- Compare a few recipes to find your family's best-value dinners.
Need recipes to price? Start with our budget-friendly recipes.