Unit rates

Math

Definition

A unit rate is a ratio that compares a quantity to one unit of another quantity. It tells you how much of something corresponds to exactly one of something else, making comparisons easy.

Examples

  • Driving 180 miles in 3 hours gives a unit rate of 60 miles per hour
  • A 12-pack of soda for $6 is $0.50 per can
  • Typing 250 words in 5 minutes is a unit rate of 50 words per minute
Key Fact

Unit rate = total quantity รท number of units

Related Terms

Writing ratios Solving proportions Percent of a number

Study This Concept

Practice unit rates with free review games in these units:

Pre-Algebra Unit 3: Ratios and Proportions