A method to determine the relative satisfaction gained from spending one more dollar on a specific good or service involves dividing the additional utility obtained from that good or service by its price. For example, if consuming one more unit of a product yields 10 units of additional satisfaction, and that product costs $2, the value obtained is 5 units of satisfaction per dollar.
This calculation is valuable for rational decision-making and resource allocation. By comparing the satisfaction received per dollar spent across various goods and services, individuals and organizations can optimize their purchasing choices to maximize overall satisfaction or efficiency. Conceptually rooted in microeconomic theory, its application has evolved alongside the development of economic thought, providing a practical framework for understanding consumer behavior and market dynamics.