Supplier Comparison Calculator
Compare up to three suppliers on total landed cost: (price + freight + other per unit) × quantity.
In short
Formula: Total per supplier = (unit price + freight per unit + other per unit) × quantity. Lowest total is highlighted.
What this calculator does
Compare up to three suppliers on total landed cost: (price + freight + other per unit) × quantity. Worked example, questions and limitations included.
Use it to turn Currency (symbol only, never converted), Quantity, Supplier A — unit price, Supplier A — freight per unit, and the other shown inputs into a checked result you can compare, copy, or rerun with different assumptions.
The page shows the formula, a numeric worked example, and the assumptions that affect this procurement calculation.
Inputs and what they mean
- Currency (symbol only, never converted)
- — choice value.
- Quantity
- — number value.
- Supplier A — unit price
- — number value.
- Supplier A — freight per unit
- — number value.
- Supplier A — other cost per unit
- — number value.
- Supplier B — unit price
- — number value.
- Supplier B — freight per unit
- — number value.
- Supplier B — other cost per unit
- — number value.
- Supplier C — unit price (optional)
- — number value.
- Supplier C — freight per unit
- — number value.
- Supplier C — other cost per unit
- — number value.
How to use it
- Enter each value in the unit shown next to the box (use the unit converter first if your numbers are in other units).
- Check the breakdown to see every intermediate step.
- Read the limitations before relying on the result.
Formula
Total-landed-cost comparison (ASCM dictionary — total cost of ownership concept).
'Other' can hold duty, inspection, packaging or expected quality costs.
Empty supplier C is skipped.
Total per supplier = (unit price + freight per unit + other per unit) × quantity. Lowest total is highlighted.
Inputs used: Currency (symbol only, never converted), Quantity, Supplier A — unit price, Supplier A — freight per unit, Supplier A — other cost per unit, Supplier B — unit price, Supplier B — freight per unit, Supplier B — other cost per unit, and other shown inputs.
Worked example
Three quotes
- A = 11,000; B = 11,200; C = 10,700.
- Lowest: Supplier C at $10,700.
Reading the result
The headline figure is the main answer. Any breakdown underneath shows the parts that make it up, so you can check the working and see what changes when you adjust an input.
Limitations and assumptions
- Cost only, no scoring.
- Same quantity for all.
- Three suppliers maximum.
- Results are planning estimates built only from the figures you enter. No prices, rates, demand patterns or service levels are built in, and the results are not supplier quotes or carrier rates.
- The result depends on the values you enter for this supplier comparison calculator; it does not supply missing rates, rules, prices, dates, or assumptions for you.
Common questions
Why is the cheapest price not the winner?
Freight and other costs can outweigh a lower unit price — that is why totals are compared. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real procurement decision.
How do I include quality?
Add an expected cost per unit for defects or rework under 'other'. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real procurement decision.
More than three suppliers?
Compare in rounds of three, or use the total cost of ownership calculator per supplier. Check the formula, example, and limitations on this page before using the result for a real procurement decision.
How do I use the Supplier Comparison Calculator?
Enter the required values for Currency (symbol only, never converted), Quantity, Supplier A — unit price, Supplier A — freight per unit, Supplier A — other cost per unit, and the other fields shown. The calculator applies the formula on this page and shows the main result with any supporting breakdown so you can check the arithmetic.
What formula does the Supplier Comparison Calculator use?
Total per supplier = (unit price + freight per unit + other per unit) × quantity. Lowest total is highlighted. The visible formula section above lists the calculation path and the edge cases the page handles, so the result can be checked without relying on the form alone.
Can the Supplier Comparison Calculator be used for exact decisions?
Use it as a calculation aid, not as a substitute for checking the underlying rule, contract, policy, or professional advice that applies to your situation. When a result depends on local rules, personal details, prices, or dates, enter those values yourself and confirm them before acting.
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