FAQ
These are the questions merchants ask right before they pick a Shopify plan. Keep this page open while you run the calculator so you can sanity-check assumptions and avoid expensive surprises.
Your monthly total is usually a combination of plan subscription, payment processing, possible transaction surcharge for third-party processors, and app spend. The exact number depends on sales volume and payment setup.
Subscription is just the base plan fee. Total cost includes subscription plus variable fees and software overhead. Many stores underestimate total cost by looking at plan price alone.
In many cases, the extra third-party transaction surcharge is reduced or removed when using Shopify Payments. Processing fees still apply, so you should model both cases before deciding.
Per-order costs stack fast. Two stores can have similar revenue but very different monthly costs if one store has many small orders and the other has fewer large orders.
Yes. App spend is a recurring operating cost and often one of the biggest blind spots in plan decisions. Include your current app stack and expected near-term additions.
Look at break-even output. If the higher plan stays cheaper across your expected and conservative scenarios for multiple months, that is usually a strong signal to upgrade.
Yes. A higher plan can lower variable fee drag enough to offset the larger subscription. This is exactly why break-even analysis is more useful than feature-only comparisons.
At least once per quarter, and sooner when order volume, refund rates, payment method, or app stack changes materially.
Use recent revenue, orders, refunds, payment method, and full app spend. A 90-day average is usually more reliable than one unusual month.
Yes. Use forecast assumptions and run conservative, expected, and growth scenarios. This gives you a safer range and helps avoid overcommitting to a higher plan too early.
No. This calculator focuses on platform and operating fees tied to running Shopify. You should layer in taxes, fulfillment, and COGS separately for full profit planning.
Use the official Shopify pricing page before final signup or upgrade decisions. Platform terms can change over time, so verification matters.
The calculator gives your numbers. The guides explain how to interpret them. Use both before changing plans.
Before checkout or upgrade, confirm the latest plan details directly with Shopify.
Check current Shopify pricingTracking remains disabled until partner approval is confirmed.
Disclosures
This calculator is for planning and education. Confirm current rates and terms directly on Shopify's official pricing pages before making decisions.