Can inventory quantity be negative?

Yes, Shopify allows negative stock, for example after overselling. Use a whole number with a minus sign, such as -2.

Why did a correct number turn into text?

Spreadsheets sometimes store numbers as text or add separators. Re-format the column as a number with no thousands separator before saving.

Fix “Inventory quantity is not a number” in a Shopify CSV import

The Inventory quantity cell contains something other than a whole number, such as 12 pcs, 3.5 or N/A. Replace it with a whole number like 12 and import again.

Error message in Shopify

Inventory quantity is not a number

What this error means

Inventory quantity (Variant Inventory Qty in older files) is the number of items in stock. Shopify only accepts whole numbers here, without units, text, decimals or thousands separators.

Common causes

Units or words were added to the quantity, such as 12 pcs or in stock.
A spreadsheet formula or formatting produced a decimal or a value like 1,200.
Placeholder text such as N/A or TBD was used for unknown stock.

How to fix it

Find the row from the error message.
Replace the quantity with a whole number, for example 12 instead of 12 pcs, and 1200 instead of 1,200.
If the stock level is unknown, enter 0 or stop tracking inventory for the variant by clearing Inventory tracker.
Save the file as CSV UTF-8 and import it again.

Example

Before

URL handle,Title,Inventory tracker,Inventory quantity,Price
wool-scarf,Wool scarf,shopify,12 pcs,24.90

After

URL handle,Title,Inventory tracker,Inventory quantity,Price
wool-scarf,Wool scarf,shopify,12,24.90

“12 pcs” isn't a number. Keeping only the digits fixes the row.

How to prevent it

Format the quantity column as plain numbers with no decimals in your spreadsheet.
Use a validator that flags non-numeric and decimal quantities.

Find this problem before you import

Skuvera checks your product CSV against all of Shopify’s rules in your browser and points to the exact row and column. Free, no sign-up.

Check your CSV

Frequently asked questions

Can inventory quantity be negative?: Yes, Shopify allows negative stock, for example after overselling. Use a whole number with a minus sign, such as -2.
Why did a correct number turn into text?: Spreadsheets sometimes store numbers as text or add separators. Re-format the column as a number with no thousands separator before saving.

Related checks in Skuvera

Inventory quantity isn't a whole number

Read Shopify’s explanation

Other import errors

Updated October 30, 2026