How Many Steps Should You Have at Checkout?

When it comes to increasing conversion rates in eCommerce, the checkout flow is one of the most overlooked opportunities. Every extra click or form field adds friction. And when you’re running a high-volume store, even a 1% drop in completion can cost thousands in lost revenue.

So, how many steps should you have at checkout? The answer is less about a magic number and more about how you structure the experience.

Keep the Number of Form Fields Low

Research from the Baymard Institute shows that the average eCommerce checkout spans just over five steps and includes about 11 form fields. But here’s the catch: reducing the number of fields is often more important than reducing the number of steps.

Simplifying the information you ask for, such as combining first and last name, or auto-filling known data, has a greater impact on conversions than cramming everything into one screen. A long, complicated form on a single page can still drive customers away.

Aim for 3 to 4 Steps (If You Use Steps at All)

Most UX experts agree that the ideal checkout includes three to four logical steps: cart review, address entry, payment, and confirmation. This layout mirrors the flow used by most large retailers and sets clear expectations.

For those using a multi-step flow, an accordion-style format works best. This approach shows only one section at a time while keeping the full checkout process on a single page. It improves focus and makes the experience feel faster and easier to complete.

Always Use Progress Indicators

If your checkout process spans more than one step, use a progress bar or step tracker. Customers are far more likely to finish when they know how many steps are left. Without this visual guide, users may feel uncertain or overwhelmed, which leads to abandoned carts.

Progress indicators offer a psychological sense of control. It tells customers, “You're almost done,” which nudges them to complete the journey.

One-Page and One-Click Checkouts Win on Speed

For returning customers or mobile-first users, nothing beats a single-page or one-click checkout. Completing an order on a single screen, with pre-filled data and saved payment methods, reduces friction to nearly zero.

This is especially valuable when your store sees a lot of traffic from mobile devices, where speed and simplicity are crucial. A one-click reorder option for past customers can also boost repeat purchases dramatically.

Key Takeaways

• Keep your total form fields to a minimum to reduce friction
• Stick with 3 to 4 clear checkout stages if using a multi-step flow
• Use a progress bar or step indicator to guide the customer
• Implement one-page or one-click checkout options for speed and ease

How Checkout Champ Optimizes Your Checkout Flow

Checkout Champ is purpose-built to support the exact strategies that boost conversion rates. Whether you prefer a fast one-page experience or a clean accordion-style layout, the platform gives you full control over every aspect of your checkout.

With Checkout Champ, you can:

• Launch sub-second, single-page checkouts that reduce abandonment
• Customize step-by-step flows with smart form field reduction
• Add progress indicators for clarity and confidence
• Enable one-click reorders for returning customers
• Easily test and optimize checkout variants with real-time analytics

If you’re ready to stop losing customers at the final step, it’s time to rethink your checkout experience. Checkout Champ helps you design a checkout that’s as powerful as your product.

Explore how Checkout Champ can streamline your checkout flow and help you convert more shoppers into loyal buyers. Visit checkoutchamp.com/features to see it in action.