> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.upstackdata.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# CM2 per Order: Variable Margin per Order

> Track CM2 per order for your Shopify store. Measure average variable margin contribution per order.

<Tip>
  CM2 per Order measures the average variable margin contribution per order—how much each order contributes after COGS, fulfillment, and transaction costs.
</Tip>

## Formula

<Info>
  **CM2 per Order** = **CM2** ÷ **Orders**
</Info>

### Formula Components

| Metric                                                                           | Definition            |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------- |
| [**CM2 (After Fulfillment)**](/reference/metrics/orders/contribution-margin/cm2) | Total variable margin |
| [**Orders**](/reference/metrics/orders/counts/orders)                            | Total order count     |

| Metadata        |                                                                      |
| --------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Type**        | Currency                                                             |
| **Data Source** | [Shopify](/sources/shopify), [Upstack Costs](/sources/upstack-costs) |
| **Aggregation** | Average                                                              |

***

## Example

Your Shopify store has **\$62,500** CM2 from **1,250** orders.

| Component         | Value    | Calculation           |
| ----------------- | -------- | --------------------- |
| CM2               | \$62,500 | Total variable margin |
| Orders            | 1,250    | Order count           |
| **CM2 per Order** | **\$50** | \$62,500 ÷ 1,250      |

***

## How It Works

CM2 per Order shows the average contribution each order makes after variable costs. This is the margin available per order to cover marketing and fixed costs. Use it to set CPA targets—if CM2 per Order is \$50, your CPA should be below \$50 for profitability.

***

## When to Use

| Scenario                  | Action                                            |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Setting CPA targets       | CM2 per Order is your maximum CPA for breakeven   |
| Comparing order economics | Track CM2 per Order across product categories     |
| Optimizing order value    | Find ways to increase margin per transaction      |
| Channel evaluation        | Compare CM2 per Order across acquisition channels |

***

## Related Metrics

| Metric                                                                       | Relationship                            |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| [CM2](/reference/metrics/orders/contribution-margin/cm2)                     | Total variable margin                   |
| [CM1 per Order](/reference/metrics/orders/contribution-margin/cm1-per-order) | Gross margin per order                  |
| [CPA](/reference/metrics/orders/performance/cac)                             | Cost per acquisition to compare against |

[See all Contribution Margin metrics →](/reference/metrics/orders/contribution-margin)