Calculate your free shipping threshold
Estimate a practical free shipping threshold, then compare the cost of giving free shipping to every shopper versus paid members only.
Average order
$65
Use your current average order value as the baseline.
Public threshold
$90
A higher basket target can protect margin.
Member benefit
Free shipping for members
Reserve the perk for paid members instead of subsidising every order.
Shipping inputs
Enter conservative order, margin and shipping assumptions. The calculator rounds the suggested threshold to the nearest $5.
Estimated shipping strategy
Free shipping threshold forecast
Suggested threshold
Rounded up to a simple public cart target.
Extra basket needed
How much more the average order needs to qualify.
Free shipping for everyone
Estimated monthly shipping subsidy if every order qualifies.
Paid members only
Estimated monthly cost when free shipping is a member benefit.
Offer free shipping to paid members instead of every shopper
Memberply lets you make free shipping a paid membership benefit, alongside store credit, discounts, reward points and exclusive access.
Shipping strategy
How to use the free shipping threshold calculator
Start with your average order value and average shipping cost. Then check whether the threshold creates enough extra basket value, or whether free shipping should be reserved for members as a paid perk.
Average order value
Use your current average order value as the baseline. The threshold should usually sit above this number so shoppers have a reason to add more to cart.
Gross margin
Margin determines how much extra basket value you need before the order can absorb shipping cost without hurting profitability.
Shipping cost
Enter your average fulfilment shipping cost. If costs vary by region or package size, model a conservative blended average.
Member share
Use the expected share of orders from paid members to compare a targeted membership perk against storewide free shipping.
Free shipping threshold calculator FAQ
What is a free shipping threshold?
A free shipping threshold is the minimum cart value a shopper must reach before shipping becomes free. Stores often set it above average order value to encourage a larger basket.
How do I calculate a free shipping threshold?
Use average order value, gross margin and shipping cost. A practical threshold should create enough extra gross margin to help cover the shipping subsidy.
Should free shipping be a paid membership benefit?
It can be a strong member benefit when storewide free shipping is too expensive. Paid members get a clear reason to join and repeat purchase, while the store avoids offering the same subsidy to every shopper.