Shopify Fee Calculator
What is Shopify actually costing you per month? Calculate your true fees including apps and transaction costs.
- 1.Select Plan
- 2.Add Transaction Fees
- 3.Sum App Costs
- 4.Calculate Total
- 5.Check % of Revenue
Key Takeaways
- →True cost: $100-500/month for small stores (subscription + fees + apps)
- →Basic: $39/mo + 2.9% + $0.30. Shopify: $105/mo + 2.7%. Advanced: $399/mo + 2.5%.
- →Apps add up fast: typical store has $50-300/month in apps
- →External gateways cost extra 0.5-2% — use Shopify Payments unless necessary
What Are Shopify Fees?
Shopify fees include your monthly subscription, payment processing fees per transaction, and optional app subscriptions. Understanding total costs is critical for profitability.
Total Monthly Cost = Subscription + (Sales × Transaction %) + (Orders × Fixed Fee) + Apps
Example: $39 Basic + ($10K × 2.9%) + (100 orders × $0.30) + $100 apps = $459/month
Many merchants underestimate app costs, which can add $100-500+/month for a typical store.
Shopify Plan Comparison (2025)
| Plan | Monthly | Card Rate | Per Transaction | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $5 | 5.0% | $0.30 | Testing only |
| Basic | $39 | 2.9% | $0.30 | New stores |
| Shopify | $105 | 2.7% | $0.30 | Growing stores |
| Advanced | $399 | 2.5% | $0.30 | High volume |
| Plus | $2,000+ | 2.15%+ | Negotiated | Enterprise |
Note: Rates are for US online cards. International cards cost +1%. Non-card payments have different fees.
True Shopify Cost Scenarios
| Monthly Sales | Plan | Fees | Apps | Total Cost | % of Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | Basic | $184 | $50 | $234 | 4.7% |
| $10,000 | Basic | $329 | $100 | $429 | 4.3% |
| $25,000 | Shopify | $780 | $150 | $930 | 3.7% |
| $50,000 | Advanced | $1,649 | $250 | $1,899 | 3.8% |
| $100,000 | Advanced | $2,899 | $400 | $3,299 | 3.3% |
Common App Costs
| App Category | Monthly Cost | Essential? |
|---|---|---|
| Email marketing | $0-100 | Yes |
| Reviews | $0-50 | Yes |
| Upsells/cross-sells | $20-100 | Recommended |
| SEO tools | $0-50 | Optional |
| Subscription billing | $30-100 | If applicable |
| Analytics | $0-80 | Recommended |
| Loyalty program | $20-100 | Optional |
Warning: Apps compound quickly. A $20 app seems cheap, but 10 apps = $200/month.
Shopify vs. Alternatives
| Platform | Monthly | Transaction Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | $39-399 | 2.5-2.9% + $0.30 | Most stores |
| WooCommerce | $0 (hosting extra) | Payment gateway only | Technical users |
| BigCommerce | $29-299 | 2.5-2.9% + $0.30 | Growing stores |
| Squarespace | $27-49 | 2.9% + $0.30 | Design-focused |
| Amazon | $39.99 | 8-15% referral | Marketplace reach |
Hidden Shopify Costs
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify Payments exclusivity | +0.5-2% | If using external gateway |
| Theme | $0-350 (one-time) | Free themes available |
| Domain | $14-20/year | Via Shopify or external |
| Transaction fees (external) | +0.5-2% | On top of gateway fees |
| Shipping apps | $10-50/mo | Advanced shipping logic |
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
What does Shopify really cost per month?
$100-500/month for typical small store (subscription + fees + apps). Scales with revenue.
Are there hidden Shopify fees?
Yes. External payment gateway fees (+0.5-2%), apps, and premium themes add up.
Should I use Shopify Payments or another gateway?
Shopify Payments is usually best — avoids the 0.5-2% surcharge for external gateways.
What's the best Shopify plan for beginners?
Basic ($39/month). Upgrade to Shopify ($105) when transaction savings exceed the cost difference.
When should I upgrade from Basic to Shopify?
When you're doing ~$5K-10K/month in sales. The 0.2% fee reduction starts to matter.
How much do Shopify apps cost?
$50-300/month typical for a functioning store. Keep app count minimal.
Is Shopify worth it compared to WooCommerce?
For most merchants, yes. Shopify is simpler. WooCommerce has lower marginal costs but higher maintenance.
Can I reduce Shopify fees?
Yes: upgrade plans at higher volume, reduce apps, use Shopify Payments, and negotiate on Plus.