Why you should always order the biggest pie – Casson Living – World News, Breaking News, International News

Unlocking the Secrets of Pizza Pricing

If you’re passionate about pizza and want to maximize your order, it’s time to explore the intriguing mathematics behind pizza sizes and their prices. Understanding these concepts might just revolutionize how you choose your next slice.

Consider this scenario: you’re torn between ordering an 8-inch pizza and a 16-inch pizza. You might think the larger pizza is merely twice the size of the smaller one, but that’s a common misconception. In reality, the 16-inch pizza boasts an area that is four times greater than that of the 8-inch pizza. When it comes to pizza, size truly makes a difference!

A revealing study conducted by NPR analyzed data from over 3,600 pizza establishments across the United States, sourced from Grubhub Seamless. The findings were eye-opening: ordering a larger pizza is often a more economical choice because the cost per square inch is significantly lower.

While the 16-inch pizza offers four times the area of its 8-inch counterpart, its price doesn’t quadruple accordingly. The cost of the larger pizza is usually much less than four times that of the smaller one, highlighting the importance of considering the price per unit—in this case, the square inch—when making your pizza selection.

To gain a clearer perspective on pizza sizes, it helps to apply some basic math. You can calculate the area of a pizza using the formula πr², where r represents the radius (half of the diameter). For instance, a 16-inch pizza has a radius of 8 inches, while an 8-inch pizza has a radius of 4 inches.

Focusing on a well-known pizza chain like Pizza Hut, the study found that the price per square inch decreases with larger pizza sizes. For example, a personal pan pizza with a 6-inch diameter is priced at $4.50, a medium 12-inch pizza costs $9.99, and a large 14-inch pizza is available for $11.99. The trend is clear: the bigger the pizza, the more you save per square inch, making it a smarter choice overall.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for pizza, remember: it’s not solely about the toppings you choose; the underlying math of size and price plays a crucial role, too. By grasping these numbers, you can ensure you get the best bang for your buck. Enjoy your meal!