Mcdonald's Big Fries Sizing Test: Are You Actually Getting More Potatoes for the Price?
By Marcus Vance
Menu price inflation across the fast food sector has fundamentally altered fry economics. In 2019, a large fry cost roughly $2.79 in most American suburban markets. By early 2026, that same carton routinely commands $4.69 to $5.29 in major metropolitan areas, turning a high-margin side dish into a significant financial decision. Evaluating whether the upgrade provides practical value requires comparing the price per usable ounce across different sizes.
| Portion Size | Target Weight (oz / g) | Average Price (2026 US) | Cost per Ounce (Target) | Cost per Ounce (Underfilled) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 2.6 oz / 75 g | $2.69 | $1.03 | $1.17 |
| Medium | 4.0 oz / 114 g | $3.99 | $1.00 | $1.14 |
| Large | 5.9 oz / 168 g | $4.89 | $0.83 | $1.06 |
When filled to theoretical capacity, the large carton delivers the lowest unit cost, running at roughly $0.83 per ounce. But if a hurried employee produces an underfilled carton weighing 4.6 ounces, the effective cost climbs immediately to $1.06 per ounce. In that scenario, the volume discount evaporates, making the large order more expensive per ounce than a properly filled medium.
Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.
