Split a total order across colors and sizes using your size curve, also called a size scale or size ratio. Rounded to carton or pack sizes and checked against your minimums.
Every buy needs a size curve, also called a size scale or size ratio: how many of each size, in each color, adding up to the quantity you are ordering. For example, a size scale of 1 small, 2 medium, 2 large and 1 extra large is written 1-2-2-1. This Apparel Search tool turns a total quantity, your size scale and your color shares into a ready-to-send order grid. It rounds to whole packs or cartons, makes the grid add up, and warns you when a color or size falls under a factory minimum. Everything runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is saved.
Please read: the split is only as good as your size curve (size scale). This tool does the arithmetic. It does not know your customers, your sales history or your market, and the example curves are only examples. Build your real size ratios from past sales, returns and your own fit, and confirm quantities and minimums with your factory before placing an order.
Order
Quantities are built in whole packs, so the planned total can differ slightly from the requested total. The difference is shown below.
Colors
Enter each color's share as a ratio or a percentage. Only the proportions matter, so 50, 30, 20 and 5, 3, 2 give the same result.
Color
Share
Size curve (size scale)
Also called a size scale or size ratio. For example, 1 S, 2 M, 2 L and 1 XL is a size scale of 1-2-2-1, which adds up to 6 units. If you buy in prepacks that follow a size scale, set the units per pack to the total of the scale. The examples are only examples, so replace them with ratios from your own sales history.
Size
Ratio (size scale)
Your order grid
Size distribution
Estimates only. Always confirm quantities and minimums with your factory.
Why a size curve (size scale) matters
Fewer markdowns. Overbuying the wrong sizes is a common reason for leftover stock. A curve based on real sales helps you buy what sells.
Clean order sheets. A grid that adds up and rounds to full cartons avoids back-and-forth with the factory.
Early minimum checks. See right away if a color or size falls under a factory minimum, before you submit the order.
How the split works. Each color and size combination gets a weight, which is the color share times the size ratio. The total is turned into whole packs, each cell is rounded down, and the leftover packs go to the cells with the largest remainders, so the grid always adds up to the planned total. A size with a ratio of zero gets nothing. When packs are larger than one unit, the planned total may differ from your requested total by up to half a pack.
How to split an order by size and color
Enter the total units, the units per pack or carton, and any minimums.
List your colors and each color's share.
Enter the size scale: the ratio for each size.
Review the grid, fix any minimum warnings and download the order sheet.
How the split works, with an example
Method. Each color and size gets a weight (color share x size ratio). The total is converted to whole packs, each cell is rounded down, and the remaining packs go to the cells with the largest remainders, so the grid always adds up.
Example. An order of 1,000 units in packs of 6 becomes 167 packs, or 1,002 units. Colors split 4:3:3 (Black, Navy, White) and sizes 1:2:2:1 (S, M, L, XL) give Black 396, Navy 306 and White 300 units, with sizes S 168, M 336, L 336 and XL 162. These are examples. Use ratios from your own sales.
Key terms
Size curve, size scale or size ratio: the quantity of each size in a buy, such as 1-2-2-1.
Prepack: a pack holding a fixed assortment of sizes in a set ratio.
Minimum order quantity (MOQ): the smallest quantity a factory will produce, often per style or color.
Pack or carton quantity: the number of units in each pack or carton.
Getting the most from the Size Curve and Order Splitter
Base the curve on your own sales. Past sell-through by size beats any generic example.
Round to pack sizes. Orders that are not whole cartons cause extra handling and factory questions.
Check minimums early. Factories often set minimums per color or style, so check them before you submit.
Review each color. Colors can sell in different size patterns, so a single curve may not fit every color.
Frequently asked questions
What is a size curve or size scale?
A size curve, also called a size scale or size ratio, shows how many units of each size you buy. For example, 1 small, 2 medium, 2 large and 1 extra large is a 1-2-2-1 size scale.
How do I choose a size curve?
Start from your past sales and returns by size and from your customer base. Begin with a simple curve and adjust it as you learn how each size sells.
What is a prepack?
A prepack is a carton or pack that holds a fixed assortment of sizes in a set ratio, such as 1-2-2-1. Setting the units per pack to the total of the scale makes the order grid match prepacks.
Estimates only. This tool is provided for general planning and informational purposes. Results depend on the information you enter and on assumptions that may not match your customers, product or factory terms. Apparel Search does not guarantee accuracy or completeness of any result. Confirm quantities, minimums and order details with your factory, supplier or other qualified professionals before placing an order. See our Legal page for terms of use.