per

"Per" is a small but very useful word in English. It mainly works as a preposition and has about 3 common meanings. You will see it constantly in everyday writing, business, and formal contexts — so it is well worth knowing!

1prepositionfor each

Use 'per' to talk about a rate or amount that applies to each unit of something. Think of it as a way of dividing something equally — 'for every one of these, you get that.' It is the same idea as 'for each' or 'for every'.

everyday language, business, science · Modern, widely used

The speed limit on this road is 100 kilometres per hour.

This job pays $20 per hour.

Each person gets two tickets per booking.

2prepositionaccording to

When 'per' means 'according to' or 'as stated by', it is used to refer to instructions, rules, or an agreement. You are saying that something was done following a specific source or authority. This sense is very common in formal writing and business emails.

business, formal writing · Modern, common in formal and professional contexts

Per the contract, the payment must be made within 30 days.

The meeting has been rescheduled, per the manager's request.

Please complete the form per the instructions on page two.

3prepositionthrough / by means of

In some formal or older expressions, 'per' means 'through' or 'by way of'. You are describing the method or channel used to send or deliver something. You will mostly see this in set phrases.

formal writing, business correspondence · Formal, more common in older or very formal texts

The documents were sent per courier.

Please reply per email at your earliest convenience.

The package was delivered per standard post.