Baymard reports that the average checkout flow in its 2024 benchmark was 5.1 steps long and contained 11.3 form fields. The research also warns that perceived checkout effort can matter more than the number of steps. A useful audit therefore measures the work a customer experiences, not just the navigation labels.
Step and effort benchmark
| Measure | Reported result | Local check |
|---|---|---|
| Average checkout length | 5.1 steps | What does each step ask the buyer to do? |
| Average form fields | 11.3 fields | Which fields are necessary now? |
| Abandonment from complexity | 17% | Where do errors and hesitation occur? |
Source: Baymard checkout flow research, accessed August 10, 2026.
Measure perceived effort
Record step count, visible fields, required decisions, error messages, time to completion, and backtracking. Ask test participants what they expected to happen next. A five-step flow with unclear delivery costs may be harder than a six-step flow with strong summaries and predictable controls.
Remove duplicate questions, use sensible defaults, preserve entered data after errors, and show progress without hiding the total cost. Validate the result on mobile as well as desktop.
Method and limits
Baymard's numbers describe a benchmark sample and its field definitions. They do not define a universal ideal. Use them as comparison points, then report the local sample, device mix, and test date.
Frequently asked questions
Should a store combine every step?
No. Combining steps can create a dense screen. Optimize clarity and effort rather than the label count alone.
What is a useful success metric?
Use completion, error rate, time, and customer feedback together so a faster flow does not hide new confusion.
Related Research
Consistent measurement gives a lean growth team a practical foundation for daily SEO and conversion improvements.
Sources
- Baymard Institute, Checkout Optimization: Minimize Form Fields, accessed August 10, 2026: https://baymard.com/blog/checkout-flow-average-form-fields