In-App Purchase Value Comparator
Compare in-app purchases side-by-side to determine which offers the best value. Enter details for up to three items to see cost per unit, cost per hour of enjoyment, and a composite value score.
Item 1
Item 2
Item 3
Results will appear here.
Formulas Used
Total Units = Units Received + Bonus Units
Cost Per Unit (CPU) = Price ÷ Total Units
Cost Per Hour (CPH) = Price ÷ Hours of Enjoyment
Unit Value Score (UVS) = Total Units ÷ Price (units per dollar)
Hour Value Score (HVS) = Hours ÷ Price (hours per dollar)
Composite Value Score (CVS) = [(UVS / max UVS) + (HVS / max HVS) + (Desire / 10)] ÷ 3 × 100
Each sub-score is normalised to [0, 1] relative to the best-performing item, then averaged and scaled to 100. A higher CVS indicates better overall value.
Assumptions & References
- All prices are in USD; convert foreign currencies before entering.
- "Units" refers to any in-game currency, gems, coins, or consumable items received.
- "Hours of Enjoyment" is a subjective estimate of how long the purchase will meaningfully enhance gameplay.
- "Personal Desire" (1–10) captures subjective preference and is weighted equally with unit and hour value.
- Bonus units (e.g., limited-time offers) are added to base units before computing cost per unit.
- The composite score uses equal weighting (1/3 each) for unit value, time value, and personal desire.
- Reference: Consumer value frameworks adapted from Sweeney & Soutar (2001), Journal of Retailing, 77(2), 203–220.
- Mobile IAP spending patterns: Sensor Tower & data.ai (formerly App Annie) industry reports.