How Size Chart Apps Cut Return Rates by 64%: 5 Best Shopify Sizing Apps Comparison & Guide 2025
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Nobody's Arguing: Your Returns and Low Conversions Are Probably a "Size" Problem
For independent e-commerce sellers, there's something even scarier than returns: if your size chart display and user experience are poor, customers won't even bother adding to cart. They'll simply feel uncertain about finding the right fit and abandon your site.
Think about it from a customer perspective. When we shop online and hesitate over a purchase, sometimes a product's size chart just feels "right" – giving us that confidence to click "buy now."
Simply put, making your size presentation comprehensive, accurate, and professional gives customers the confidence they need to complete their purchase.
The $890 Billion Problem Nobody's Talking About
According to industry reports, global e-commerce return rates range from 16.9% to 24.5%, with 53% of apparel returns caused by sizing issues alone. For sellers in footwear, lingerie, and sportswear categories, a good size chart tool might deliver better ROI than a $100,000 advertising budget.
Why You Need a Size Chart App (Not Just a Basic Table nor Image)
1. Automatic Dual Unit Conversion
Seamlessly switch between metric and imperial measurements based on customer location.
2. Industry-Specific Templates
Ready-made templates for everything from clothing to pet accessories and footwear.
3. Rich Content Presentation
Display sizing information through tables, images, videos, and detailed text descriptions.
4. Optimized UX for Both Merchants and Customers
Intuitive setup for store owners, seamless experience for shoppers.
5. Smart Size Recommendations
Machine learning algorithms that suggest the best fit based on customer measurements.
6. Advanced Features
Analytics dashboards, automatic translations, and conversion tracking.
🎯 Fun Facts: The Truth About International E-commerce Sizing
Before diving into our reviews, here are some fascinating data points about sizing in global e-commerce:
Return Rate Geography (Source: Statista)
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland: 45% (highest globally!)
- 🇩🇪 Germany: 44%
- 🇦🇹 Austria: 36%
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: 35%
- 🇺🇸 United States: 24.4-30%
- 🇯🇵 Japan: 8% (lowest in Asia)
The Size Tool Effect (Source: 3DLOOK Research)
- 80% of brands report increased conversion rates after implementing size recommendation tools
- Average order value increases by 20-25%
- Conversion rates improve by 13-16%
- Advanced virtual fitting tools can reduce returns by up to 64%
Measurement System Secrets
- 95% of e-commerce sellers can't distinguish between metric and imperial systems (seriously, look it up!)
- Only 3 countries primarily use imperial measurements (US, Liberia, Myanmar) – but you need it because America
- Jeans use inches globally, regardless of country
- 51% of Gen Z intentionally buy multiple sizes planning to return the ones that don't fit (Source: Coresight Research)
30-Second Overview: Which App Is Right for You?
TL;DR Recommendations:
🏃 Budget Choice: MP Size Chart
- $6.95/month delivers top functionality
- Free version includes 3 charts without watermarks
🚀 No-Brainer Choice: Kiwi Size Chart & Recommender
- 44,059 merchants can't be wrong
- The "Loox of reviews" and "Klaviyo of email" for size charts
Core Comparison Table
App NameRating & UsersFree VersionUnlimited PriceKey StrengthKiwi Size Chart4.7★ / 44,0592 charts (watermarked)$24.49/moMachine learning recommendationsMP Size Chart4.9★ / 8,0493 charts (no watermark)$24.95/moAI + analyticsSmart Size Chart5.0★ / 2,522Limited free$6.99/moVisual size scaleCSC Size Chart4.6★ / 2,252No free version$6.99/moAuto-localizationPlatmart Size ChartN/A / ~1,000No free version$6.99/moSimple pricing
Deep Dive: 5 Size Chart Apps Analyzed
1. Kiwi Size Chart & Recommender - The Market Leader
44,059 merchants | 4.7 stars
Kiwi dominates the market with over 44,000 active users. As the pioneer in machine learning-powered size recommendations, it supports everything from apparel to snowboards and pet collars. Its standout feature? Dynamic size charts that automatically switch between metric and imperial based on visitor location.
Pricing Structure:
- Free: $0 (2 charts with watermark)
- Premium: $6.99/mo (10 charts + advanced layouts)
- Plus: $12.49/mo (20 charts + 10 recommenders)
- Ultimate: $24.49/mo (unlimited everything)
Pros:
- Market leader with 6+ years of refinement
- Analyzes customer size input patterns
- Intelligent geo-location detection
- Only app with proper onboarding flow
- Smooth, intuitive interface
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Requires additional import credits
- Premium plans charge extra based on order volume
User Feedback:
"Powerful features with responsive support. Only issue is too many settings can be overwhelming." - House of Thobes (UK, 2+ years)
Unique Selling Point: Industry's most mature machine learning engine supporting any product type.
2. MP Size Chart & Size Guide - Feature-Rich Option
8,049 merchants | 4.9 stars
MP Size Chart by Shopplaza boasts near-perfect ratings. Its intelligent recommendation system uses customer height/weight data to suggest optimal sizes. With 23 industry-specific templates, it covers everything from fashion to pet products.
Pricing Structure:
- Starter: Free (3 charts, no watermark)
- Growth: $6.95/mo (50 charts + basic recommendations)
- Pro: $12.95/mo (unlimited charts + advanced analytics)
- Advanced: $24.95/mo (full features + API access)
Pros:
- Advanced features: API/custom CSS
- Video upload support with multiple tabs
- Auto-translation for multilingual stores
- Google Analytics integration
- Built for Shopify certification
- Best value at $6.95 Growth tier
Cons:
- Premium features require higher tiers
- Some settings lack preview functionality
- Limited templates
Unique Selling Point: Only app with proactive "size chart reminder" popups.
3. Smart Size Chart & Size Guide - Best Value
2,522 merchants | 5.0 stars
Smart Size Chart delivers exceptional merchant experience with intuitive setup and live preview. Its unique "size scale" feature visually indicates whether items run large or small, boosting customer confidence. Full functionality unlocks at just $6.99/month.
Pricing Structure:
- Free: 2 charts without watermark
- Starter: $3.99/mo (6 charts)
- Growth: $6.99/mo (unlimited charts + analytics)
Pros:
- Affordable pricing with just 2 paid tiers
- Perfect 5.0 rating
- Exceptionally smooth merchant interface
- Built for Shopify certification
- Integrates with any translation app
Cons:
- Dense settings might overwhelm beginners
- Less feature-rich than top competitors
- No video upload (HTML embedding possible)
- Lacks recommendation engine
Unique Selling Point: Visual "size scale" showing true fit like a thermometer.
4. Size Chart by CSC - AI + Automation Focus
2,252 merchants | 4.6 stars
Clean Size Charts emphasizes automation: auto-create charts, auto-convert units, and auto-display country-specific sizing. Built for Shopify certified for reliability.
Pricing Structure:
- Free: 2 charts without watermark
- Premium: $6.99/mo (unlimited charts + automation)
- Plus: $49.99/mo (unlimited AI recommendations + localization)
Pros:
- Strong localization features
- Custom CSS support
- Robust import/export functionality
- Built for Shopify certification
Cons:
- Merchant setup experience could improve
- Dated icon design
- Some advanced features poorly explained
- Huge price jump to Plus tier
Unique Selling Point: AI-powered recommendations (though implementation unclear).
5. Platmart Size Chart & Guide - Simple Pricing
~1,000 merchants | Rating N/A
Platmart keeps it simple: one price, straightforward features.
Pricing:
- Single tier: $6.99/mo
- Includes unlimited charts and translations
Pros:
- Simple pricing model
- User-friendly product matching logic
- Live chat support
Cons:
- Limited preview in settings
- Modal-only display (no placement options)
- Minimal features
Best Practices: Maximizing Size Chart Conversion Rates
Based on Baymard Institute's 150,000+ hours of UX testing, here are proven optimization strategies:
Modal Popup vs Tab Display
Best Practice: Place size guide links adjacent to size selectors for 300% more clicks.
Table vs Image Format
- Tables: Fast loading, both desktop & mobile-friendly
- Images: Slow loading, poor SEO
- Hybrid: Start with simple table, expand to detailed measurements
Best Practice: Combine tables with supplementary images/videos for context.
10-Point Size Chart Checklist
Sites with all 10 elements see 35.26% higher conversion rates:
- ✓ Standard sizes (S/M/L)
- ✓ Numeric sizes (36/38/40)
- ✓ Metric and imperial units
- ✓ International conversions
- ✓ Measurement instructions (text/image/video)
- ✓ Product-specific info (runs large/small)
- ✓ Proper placement near size selector
- ✓ Clear close/return buttons
- ✓ Customer service integration
- ✓ Model reference (height/weight/size worn)
Pro Tip: Include size information in customer reviews and UGC for social proof.
Final Recommendations
For Established Stores:
Go with Kiwi. With 44,000+ users, it's the clear market leader. The $12.49 Plus tier handles most needs.
For Budget-Conscious Sellers:
MP Size Chart's Growth plan at $6.95/month offers unbeatable value.
For Simple Needs:
Smart Size Chart at $6.99/month delivers core functionality with perfect ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most size chart apps have minimal impact on speed if they are well-coded and load asynchronously. However, poorly optimized apps can add render-blocking scripts or large image files that slow down page load. Shopify itself notes that third-party apps can affect performance if they inject scripts into the storefront (Shopify Docs).From an SEO perspective, size chart apps are unlikely to directly harm rankings, but slow load speed is a known ranking factor according to Google’s Core Web Vitals (Google Developers). Merchants should select apps with lightweight scripts and test speed using tools like PageSpeed Insights after installation.
User testing shows placement directly affects engagement. Baymard Institute’s UX research found that customers are more likely to interact with size charts when they are inline or shown in a clearly labeled modal near the “Add to Cart” button (Baymard Research).
- Inline charts work best for mobile, as they reduce extra clicks.
- Modal popups are effective when space is limited, but should open instantly.
- Tabs tend to underperform because they hide the chart behind secondary navigation.
In practice, many Shopify Plus merchants test both inline and modal placements using A/B tools like Google Optimize or Shopify A/B Testing apps to determine the best conversion setup for their audience.
Sizing issues are a top driver of returns—Coresight Research estimates that 40% of apparel returns are due to poor fit (Coresight Report). To manage this, brands typically:
- Allow free or low-cost returns for first-time sizing errors to build trust.
- Clearly define that return shipping may be customer-paid after the first exchange.
- Provide sizing help tools (fit finders, size charts, customer reviews) to reduce liability.
Shopify recommends writing policies in plain language, prominently linked in product pages and checkout (Shopify Help Center). A transparent, customer-friendly approach improves retention, even if it increases short-term costs.
Yes. Industry studies show that size guidance tools reduce returns by 5–15% in apparel categories (Shopify Plus Case Studies). Moreover, research by True Fit found that conversion rates improve by up to 20% when customers engage with fit guidance (True Fit Data).
For Shopify merchants, this means integrating size charts is not just a UX improvement—it is a profitability lever that directly impacts margins by lowering costly returns.
When evaluating apps (e.g., Kiwi Size Chart & Recommender, Avada Size Chart, MP Size Chart), best-in-class options typically include:
- Mobile-first design (responsive inline charts).
- Customizable placement (modal, inline, tab).
- Analytics (track chart engagement and conversion lift).
- Localization & multi-language support for international stores.
- Integration with metafields so charts are dynamic per product/variant.
As Shopify experts note, merchants should prioritize apps that minimize code bloat and provide clean uninstall processes, ensuring long-term performance (Shopify App Review Guidelines).