Engineer settles the debate: one large pizza or two mediums? The answer is clear
Using basic principles of math, geometry, and cost analysis, David Gozalo clarifies whether ordering a large pizza or two medium ones is the better choice, based on data from Domino’s.
Pizza is one of the most popular and beloved dishes worldwide. From its origins in Italy to becoming a global phenomenon, pizza has won the hearts of millions thanks to its versatility, delicious taste, and endless topping combinations.
However, when deciding what size pizza to order, a common dilemma arises: is it better to go for a large pizza or take advantage of deals on two medium ones? Using fundamental math, geometry, and cost analysis, engineer David Gozalo shared a YouTube video where he breaks down the best option, based on data from Domino’s.
READ ALSO: The Japanese food that comes from the sea and fights anaemia
Gozalo analyzed both options based on their diameter and price. A medium pizza at Domino’s has a 29-centimeter diameter and costs €8.95. If you order two, you get a total of 1,321 cm² of pizza. Meanwhile, a large pizza costs €17.95 and has a 38-centimeter diameter, providing 1,134 cm² of pizza. Therefore, two medium pizzas offer more pizza for the same price.
Additionally, he calculated the pizza-to-cost ratio. A large pizza gives you 63.17 cm² of pizza per euro spent, while two medium pizzas give you 73.72 cm² per euro. That makes the medium pizzas the better deal—not to mention the added benefit of being able to choose two different flavors.
The Origins of Pizza: From Naples to the World
The history of pizza dates back to ancient times, but the modern version we know today originated in Naples, Italy, during the 18th and early 19th centuries. At the time, pizza was a simple dish prepared by the city’s poorest inhabitants, consisting of a flat dough base topped with affordable and accessible ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and occasionally cheese and tomato.
READ ALSO: The classic American food that takes 36 minutes off your life every time you eat it
The classic pizza we recognize today is said to have emerged in 1889 when King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples. In their honor, a local pizzaiolo (pizza maker) named Raffaele Esposito created a special pizza representing the colors of the Italian flag: red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil. This pizza was named “Margherita” after the queen and became a symbol of Italian cuisine.
Throughout the 20th century, pizza gained popularity in Italy and eventually spread worldwide, particularly in the United States, where various adaptations emerged, such as New York-style pizza, Chicago deep-dish, and many more. Today, pizza is a global dish that varies according to local preferences but remains a fast, tasty, and accessible meal loved by many.