Pizza math: Why you should always order the biggest pie

Are you a pizza lover who wants to make the most out of your order? Let’s talk about the fascinating math behind pizza sizes and prices that might just change the way you order your next pie.

Imagine this: you’re trying to decide between an 8-inch pizza and a 16-inch pizza. How much bigger do you think the 16-inch pizza is compared to the 8-inch one? If you said twice the size, think again. In reality, a 16-inch pizza is four times larger than an 8-inch pizza. Size does matter when it comes to pizza!

An eye-opening study by NPR analyzed prices from over 3,600 pizza places across the U.S. using data from Grubhub Seamless. The study revealed a surprising finding: it’s actually more cost-effective to order a larger pizza because the price per square inch is lower.

While a 16-inch pizza is four times the size of an 8-inch pizza, the price difference is not proportionate. The larger pizza is priced far less than four times the smaller one. This discrepancy in price per unit (square inch in this case) can be a bit tricky to grasp at first glance. That’s why it’s always a good idea to consider the price per unit when making purchasing decisions.

To better understand the size of a pizza pie, you need to bring out your math skills and calculate the area using the formula πr², where r is the radius (half the diameter) of the pizza. For example, a 16-inch pizza would have a radius of 8 inches, while an 8-inch pizza would have a radius of 4 inches.

When it comes to popular pizza chain Pizza Hut, the study found that the price per square inch decreases as you order larger sizes. A personal pan pizza with a 6-inch diameter costs $4.50, a medium 12-inch pizza costs $9.99, and a large 14-inch pizza costs $11.99. The larger the pizza, the lower the price per square inch, making it a better deal overall.

So, next time you’re craving pizza, remember: it’s not just about the toppings, but also about the math behind the size and price. By understanding the numbers, you can get the most value out of your pizza order. Happy eating!