On hand is a physical starting point
On hand represents the quantity physically recorded at a location before considering how quantities may be assigned to other states. Exact Shopify behavior should be checked against current official documentation and your store configuration.
Available answers a different question
Available is the quantity Shopify exposes as available at that location. Kaijuu keeps it distinct from On hand and from other Shopify stock quantities such as Committed or Reserved.
- Do not assume reading Available reserves it
- Do not treat Unknown as zero
- Keep the location attached to every number
Use changes deliberately
A manual On hand adjustment, a PO receipt and an record of stock set aside are different events. Record the reason for each.
Business example
Twenty lamp shades on hand, fourteen available
Six shades are already committed to orders, so the available quantity is lower than the physical count.
| On hand | Committed | Available |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 6 | 14 |
- Read all quantities at the same location
- Use Available for the immediate selling decision
- Use On hand for the physical stock context
Sources
Further reading
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
What should I check first?
On hand represents the quantity physically recorded at a location before considering how quantities may be assigned to other states. Exact Shopify behavior should be checked against current official documentation and your store configuration.
What result should I aim for?
A plain-language guide to two inventory quantities that answer different stock questions.