Tutorial · 5 min read

Set up MeasureLab: your first price calculator, step by step

From install to a live price on your product page usually takes under half an hour. Here is every step in order, with the exact names of the buttons you'll press.

The steps

1. Install MeasureLab. Open the MeasureLab listing on the Shopify App Store and press Install. Setting up and testing is free; you only choose a plan when you publish.
2. Check the connection in Settings. Open MeasureLab → Settings. If any row says it needs fixing, press Fix everything. It connects MeasureLab to your cart and checkout, so the price customers see is the price they pay, and it's safe to run at any time.
3. Open a product. Go to Products and pick the product you sell by size. One product with one calculator covers every size; you don't need a variant per size.
4. Start your calculator one of three ways. Start from a template (18 trades, from blinds and fabric to glass, flooring and signs), Describe your product in plain words and review the draft MeasureLab builds, or build by hand with Add input and Add calculation.
5. Set your limits and a minimum. Give every measurement the smallest and largest size you make, and set a minimum charge under Pricing rules, so tiny orders are still worth doing.
6. Test the price. Type sizes into the preview beside the builder and watch the price change. Test calculator shows the full breakdown, line by line.
7. Publish. Press Publish. Publishing starts the 14-day free trial of the plan you choose. Save draft keeps changes private until you're ready.
8. Add the block to your theme. In Shopify, go to Online Store → Themes → Customize, open a product template, add a block where you want the calculator (usually below the price) and choose Measure Lab. Save. It now shows on every product with a published calculator.
9. Check it on your store. Open the product page, enter a size and add it to the cart. The measurements and choices travel with the line to checkout and onto the order, and the price is checked again at checkout.

Three ways to start a calculator

After it's live

• Add a measuring guide beside the size boxes, so customers measure right the first time.
• Translate your field names if you sell in more than one language; the calculator itself already speaks 12.
• Watch Home for views, configurations and orders, and for the one thing that needs you next.
• Read the guide for your trade in the guides for pricing rules that keep small orders profitable.