# How to Change the Number of Items Per Page in Your WooCommerce Shop
Want to control how many products display on each page of your WooCommerce shop? Showing too many items can overwhelm customers, while too few might mean they have to click through too many pages. Finding the sweet spot for your product display is key to a positive user experience and improved sales. This guide will show you how to adjust the number of items per page in your WooCommerce store, regardless of your technical skill level.
Understanding the “Items Per Page” Setting
The “items per page” setting dictates how many products are shown on a single page of your shop’s product archive (the main product listing page). Think of it like choosing how many photos are shown on a single page of your online photo album. You wouldn’t want to see just one photo per page, nor would you want hundreds crammed together. The ideal number depends on factors like:
- Product type: Large, detailed product images might need fewer items per page than smaller, simpler ones.
- Website design: A cluttered website design might benefit from fewer products per page.
- Customer preferences: Observe your customer behavior. Are they scrolling through many pages or abandoning their search? This might indicate a need for adjustment.
Method 1: Using WooCommerce’s Built-in Settings (Easiest Method)
This is the simplest approach and works for most users. No coding is required!
1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard: Access your website’s admin area.
2. Go to WooCommerce > Settings: Navigate to the WooCommerce settings page.
3. Click on the “Products” tab: Find the products section in the settings.
4. Locate “Products per page”: You’ll see this option under the “Display” section.
5. Enter your desired number: Type in the number of products you want to show per page (e.g., 12, 24, 36).
6. Save changes: Click the “Save changes” button at the bottom of the page.
That’s it! Refresh your shop page to see the changes.
Method 2: Using a Custom Function (For Advanced Users)
If you need more control or want to modify the number of items per page based on specific conditions, you can use a custom function. This method requires some familiarity with PHP and WordPress functions. Proceed with caution and always back up your website before adding custom code.
add_filter( 'loop_shop_per_page', 'new_loop_shop_per_page', 20 );
function new_loop_shop_per_page( $cols ) {
// Change the number of products per page here
return 20; // Displays 20 products per page
}
This code snippet adds a filter to the `loop_shop_per_page` hook. The `new_loop_shop_per_page` function then returns the desired number of products (in this case, 20). Replace `20` with your preferred number.
To add this code:
1. Access your theme’s `functions.php` file or create a custom plugin.
2. Paste the code into the file.
3. Save the file and refresh your shop page.
Important Note: Incorrectly modifying your theme’s `functions.php` file can break your website. It’s highly recommended to use a child theme to avoid issues.
Method 3: Using a WooCommerce Plugin (For Enhanced Functionality)
Several plugins offer advanced control over product display, including the number of items per page. These plugins often provide additional features beyond simple adjustments. Research plugins carefully and choose one with positive reviews and active support.
Conclusion
Optimizing the number of products displayed per page is a simple yet effective way to enhance your WooCommerce store’s user experience and potentially boost sales. Choose the method that best fits your technical skills and requirements. Remember to always test and monitor your changes to see their impact on your conversion rates.
