> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://responsive-media.gitbook.io/advanced-free-shipping/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://responsive-media.gitbook.io/advanced-free-shipping/conditions-cart-and-order/cart-total.md).
# Cart Total
## Overview
The **Cart Total** condition applies discounts based on the final cart value, calculated **after** line item discounts are applied. This value includes product discounts but does NOT include taxes. This is the merchandise total the customer will pay before shipping and taxes.
{% hint style="info" %}
Cart Total includes line item discounts but does NOT include taxes. If you want to check the subtotal before any discounts are applied, use [Cart Subtotal](/advanced-free-shipping/conditions-cart-and-order/cart-subtotal.md) instead.
{% endhint %}
## Available Operators
**Is greater than** - Cart total must be more than the specified amount (not including the exact amount).
**Is less than** - Cart total must be less than the specified amount (not including the exact amount).
**Is equal to** - Cart total must exactly match the specified amount.
**Is at least** - Cart total must be greater than or equal to the specified amount (most common).
**Is at most** - Cart total must be less than or equal to the specified amount.
## Common Use Cases
### Free Shipping Over $50
The most popular shipping discount strategy:
**Configuration**:
* Condition: Cart total **is at least** $50
* Target: All shipping rates → Free
**How it works**:
* Cart total $49.99 → No discount
* Cart total $50.00 → Free shipping ✓
* Cart total $75.00 → Free shipping ✓
{% hint style="info" %}
Use "is at least" (≥) rather than "is greater than" (>) so customers who hit exactly $50 qualify.
{% endhint %}
### Tiered Shipping Discounts
Encourage higher cart values with graduated discounts:
**Create three separate discounts**:
1. **25% off shipping at $30**
* Condition: Cart total **is at least** $30
* Discount: 25% off
2. **50% off shipping at $50**
* Condition: Cart total **is at least** $50
* Discount: 50% off
3. **Free shipping at $75**
* Condition: Cart total **is at least** $75
* Discount: Free
{% hint style="info" %}
Shopify automatically applies the best discount when multiple qualify. A $75 cart gets free shipping, not 25% off.
{% endhint %}
### Maximum Cart Value Discount
Offer discounts only for smaller orders:
**Configuration**:
* Condition: Cart total **is at most** $30
* Target: All shipping rates → $3 flat rate
**Use case**: Encourage small purchases or clear low-value inventory.
### Exact Value Promotion
Rare but useful for specific promotions:
**Configuration**:
* Condition: Cart total **is equal to** $100
* Target: All shipping rates → Free
**Use case**: "Spend exactly $100 and get free shipping" gamification.
## Examples by Operator
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Is at least (≥)" %}
**Most common operator for minimum thresholds**
```
Cart total is at least $50
```
* $49.99 → ✗ No discount
* $50.00 → ✓ Discount applies
* $75.00 → ✓ Discount applies
Use for: Free shipping thresholds, minimum order discounts
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Is greater than (>)" %}
**Requires cart to exceed the amount**
```
Cart total is greater than $50
```
* $50.00 → ✗ No discount
* $50.01 → ✓ Discount applies
* $75.00 → ✓ Discount applies
Use for: When you want to exclude the exact threshold
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Is at most (≤)" %}
**Maximum cart value**
```
Cart total is at most $30
```
* $25.00 → ✓ Discount applies
* $30.00 → ✓ Discount applies
* $35.00 → ✗ No discount
Use for: Small order incentives, clearing low-value items
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Is less than (<)" %}
**Cart must be below the amount**
```
Cart total is less than $30
```
* $25.00 → ✓ Discount applies
* $30.00 → ✗ No discount
* $35.00 → ✗ No discount
Use for: Strict maximum thresholds
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Is equal to (=)" %}
**Exact cart value**
```
Cart total is equal to $100
```
* $99.99 → ✗ No discount
* $100.00 → ✓ Discount applies
* $100.01 → ✗ No discount
Use for: Gamification, specific promotions
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
## Cart Total vs Cart Subtotal
Understanding the difference is crucial:
| Aspect | Cart Total | Cart Subtotal |
| ------------------------------ | ------------------------ | ----------------------- |
| **Includes product discounts** | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| **Includes taxes** | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| **Includes shipping** | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| **Best for** | Post-discount thresholds | Pre-discount thresholds |
### Example Scenario
Customer cart:
* Product A: $30
* Product B: $25
* Product discount: -$5
**Cart Subtotal**: $55 (before any discounts) **Cart Total**: $50 (after $5 discount applied)
If your condition is "Cart total ≥ $50":
* Uses the $50 total → ✓ Qualifies
If your condition is "Cart subtotal ≥ $50":
* Uses the $55 subtotal → ✓ Qualifies
{% hint style="warning" %}
Cart Total reflects the value after line item discounts are applied. Test your discounts to ensure they trigger at the expected thresholds.
{% endhint %}
## Combining with Other Conditions
Cart total works great with other conditions:
### Cart Total + Location
**Free shipping for US orders over $50**
* Condition 1: Cart total **is at least** $50
* Condition 2: Country **is** US
### Cart Total + Customer
**Free shipping for VIPs over $30, others over $75**
* Rule Group 1:
* Condition 1: Customer tag **contains** "VIP"
* Condition 2: Cart total **is at least** $30
* Rule Group 2:
* Condition: Cart total **is at least** $75
### Cart Total + Product
**Free shipping on winter coats over $100**
* Condition 1: Product **contains** "Winter Coat"
* Condition 2: Cart total **is at least** $100
## Best Practices
{% hint style="info" %}
**Choose round numbers.** $50, $75, $100 are easier for customers to remember than $47.50 or $83.25.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="info" %}
**Consider your average order value (AOV).** Set thresholds slightly above your AOV to encourage customers to add more items.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="info" %}
**Test with your tax settings.** In tax-inclusive regions, make sure your thresholds make sense with taxes included.
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="info" %}
**Communicate clearly.** Show customers how much more they need to spend: "Add $15 more for free shipping!"
{% endhint %}
## Troubleshooting
Discount not applying at exact threshold
* Check if you're using "is at least" (≥) vs "is greater than" (>)
* "Is greater than" excludes the exact amount
* Use "is at least" to include the threshold value
Discount applying at wrong amounts
* Verify you're using Cart Total (not Cart Subtotal)
* Check your store's tax settings
* Confirm other product discounts are being applied first
Customers confused about threshold
* Make sure your theme shows a progress indicator
* Consider using Cart Subtotal if taxes are confusing
* Round to simple numbers ($50, not $49.99)
## Related Conditions
* [**Cart Subtotal**](/advanced-free-shipping/conditions-cart-and-order/cart-subtotal.md) - Check cart value before discounts and taxes
* [**Cart Quantity**](/advanced-free-shipping/conditions-cart-and-order/cart-quantity.md) - Require a minimum number of items
* [**Cart Weight**](/advanced-free-shipping/conditions-cart-and-order/cart-weight.md) - Base discounts on total cart weight
* **Collection Item Cost** - Check value of specific collection items
---
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