How to use the free shipping threshold calculator for shoppers
- Enter your cart total, using the amount the store counts toward the minimum, and the free shipping minimum.
- Enter the shipping fee you would pay below the minimum.
- Optionally enter the price of one more item you would really use.
- Read how much more you need, how many of those items it takes and whether adding them costs less than paying the fee.
Formula
Still needed = minimum - cart
Items needed = round up (still needed / item price)
Total with shipping = cart + fee
Total with items = cart + items needed x item price
If the cart is at or above the minimum, no shipping fee applies.
A $42 cart with a $50 minimum
You need $8.00 more. Paying shipping gives a total of $42.00 + $7.99 = $49.99. Adding $4.50 items takes 2 of them, which costs $9.00 and brings the total to $51.00, which is more than paying the fee, so it only makes sense if you will use the items.
With a $3.00 item you would need 3, for $9.00 and the same $51.00 total. A single item that costs less than the $7.99 fee, and that you want anyway, beats paying shipping.
When adding to the cart pays off
The decision is simple once the numbers are side by side. If reaching the minimum costs less than the shipping fee, and you will use what you add, you save money and get something useful. If it costs more, you are spending extra to avoid a smaller fee. The tool compares the two so you do not have to guess.
The trap is adding things you would not otherwise buy. The best items to add are ones you already buy regularly, because they cost nothing extra in the long run. Check the return policy too, since returning an item can drop the cart below the minimum.
How stores count the minimum
Stores differ on whether the minimum counts the cart before or after discounts and gift cards, and whether it includes tax. Use the figure the store itself shows next to the free shipping message. If the store counts before discounts, enter the larger number.
To compare prices across sizes, use the unit price calculator, and to check the effect of a coupon, the discount calculator. The sales tax calculator covers the tax line.
Assumptions and limits
- Extra items are only worth buying if you would use them. The tool counts their full price as spending.
- Taxes, return shipping, store credit and different ways of counting the minimum are not modeled.
- The item price is the same for every extra item.
- The shipping fee is assumed to be a flat amount.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth adding items to get free shipping?
Only when the extra spending is less than the shipping fee and you will use the items. If you would spend more than the fee on things you do not need, paying the fee costs less.
How do I know how much more I need?
Subtract your cart total from the free shipping minimum. The tool does it for you and rounds the number of extra items up.
Does the minimum include tax and discounts?
It depends on the store, and many count the cart after discounts and before tax. Check the message in the cart, and enter the amount the store counts.
What if I return one of the items later?
The cart may drop below the minimum, and the store may deduct the shipping fee from your refund. Check the store policy before relying on free shipping for an item you might return.