There is a familiar fast-food question: should you order small, medium, or large fries? A detailed study by The Food Theorists used digital scales to compare fry sizes across several fast-food chains, looking at weight, volume, and price. The results gave customers a clear answer: if you want the most fries for your money, going large is usually the smartest choice.

The large McDonald’s fries came out on top for value. Researchers found that the price increase from medium to large is relatively small compared with the extra amount of fries you receive. In many cases, upgrading to a large gives you more food for your money than ordering two small portions. As the study showed, “the largest size is undeniably the way to go.”

Interestingly, small fries had one advantage: packing efficiency. Their smaller size allows them to fit more tightly inside the carton, leaving less empty space. However, when it comes to quantity and overall value, the large serving remains the winner.

Taste is another reason the large size stands out. McDonald’s fries offer a crispy outside and soft interior, and the larger serving provides enough food to satisfy without becoming overly soft. The study highlighted the “perfect blend of a shatteringly crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.”

For the best experience, eat the fries soon after receiving them and avoid trapping steam inside the carton, which can make them soggy. If the fries look pale or feel limp, asking for a fresh batch may help. Some locations may also prepare them “well done” for extra crispiness.

Ultimately, the study’s message is simple: while small fries pack efficiently, large fries offer the strongest combination of quantity, value, and texture. Next time you are ordering, you may want to “go big.”