Quantity selectors: use a stepper or number field, not a dropdown
A dropdown for quantity makes shoppers pick from a short list. A stepper or number field is faster and works for any amount.
2 min read
Area
CRO & UX
Severity
Low
Fix effort
Small
Stores failing
4%
Of 55 stores we scanned where this check applies, 4% fail it and 96% pass. See all benchmarks.
The quantity control on a product page should let a shopper enter any sensible number. A plus and minus stepper or a number field does that quickly. A dropdown with a fixed list forces extra taps and limits choice. This check looks at the control type.
Why it matters
Shoppers who buy more than one need a fast way to say so. On a phone a dropdown opens a long list. Easy quantity changes increase the order size, which is worth more than most visual tweaks.
What the audit looks at
The audit looks for a quantity input on the product page and checks whether it is a number input or stepper and not a select element.
What usually causes it
- A theme with a select element for quantity
- A page builder that created a dropdown
- A custom product form
- A minimum quantity setting built as a list
How to fix it
Use a number field or stepper for quantity. The effort is small, usually a setting or a paste and under 30 minutes.
- A dropdown hides the quantity behind a click and caps it at a fixed list. A number field with plus and minus buttons is faster and does not cap.
- Make the plus and minus buttons large enough to tap.
On Shopify
- Online Store > Themes > Customize, open the product page and check the quantity selector setting; if the theme only has a dropdown, change it in the product form snippet in Edit code.
On WooCommerce
- WooCommerce uses a number field by default. A dropdown means the theme or a plugin replaced the quantity template: compare it with the plugin version.
How to check it yourself
- Open a product page and change the quantity to 12.
- Test on a phone.
- Check that the control updates the price or stock message.
Frequently asked questions
What about minimum order quantities?
A stepper can enforce a minimum and a step size, such as packs of six.
Do steppers work with the keyboard?
Yes, if built with a native number input.
Related checks
Check your own store
See whether your store passes this check
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