What are MOQ and SPQ?

MOQ and SPQ are two terms you’ll often find in supplier quotes—but many buyers, especially first-timers, don’t know what they really mean.

MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) and SPQ (Standard Pack Quantity) are used to define purchasing and packing limits that affect your cost, logistics, and order planning.

Knowing the difference between them helps you avoid mistakes and better communicate with manufacturers or wholesalers.

What does spq mean on a quote?

You’re reviewing a supplier quote and see “SPQ: 50” next to a product listing—what exactly does that mean?

SPQ stands for Standard Pack Quantity. It refers to the number of units that a product is packed, shipped, or sold in per carton or box.

Why do suppliers use SPQ¹?

SPQ helps streamline packaging, storage, and shipping. It means the supplier prefers to pack items in specific multiples—for example, 50 shirts per carton. If your order doesn’t align with that, they may round up or charge a packing fee².

Here’s what to expect when SPQ is applied:

Always confirm if the SPQ is mandatory or advisory. Some suppliers allow custom packing if you’re willing to pay extra.

What is the difference between moq and mpq?

MOQ, MPQ, and now SPQ—there’s a lot of abbreviations floating around. So how do they all differ?

MOQ is the minimum amount you must order; MPQ (Minimum Pack Quantity) refers to the smallest unit or multiple the product is sold or shipped in.

Key differences

Example:

Let’s say you’re ordering socks:

• MOQ = 500 pairs (factory won’t take smaller orders)
• MPQ = 10 pairs (must order in multiples of 10)
• SPQ = 100 pairs (carton contains 100 pairs)

Knowing the difference ensures you don’t end up overpaying for extra units or miscalculating freight volume.

What does spq stand for?

The term “SPQ” can vary slightly by industry, but in manufacturing and purchasing, it always comes back to packaging and shipping.

SPQ stands for Standard Pack Quantity. It represents the fixed number of units packed in one case, carton, or bundle.

Why does SPQ matter in supply chain planning?

SPQ affects:

• Freight cost calculations⁶
• Warehouse space planning
• Inventory forecasting⁷
• Order rounding during procurement

Let’s say your SPQ is 60, and you order 120 units. Great—no issue. But if you order 135, the supplier may ship 180 (3 × SPQ), increasing your cost and space needs.

By aligning your order with the SPQ, you avoid surprise fees and streamline delivery.

What does spq mean in purchasing?

If you’re buying from a wholesaler, retailer, or factory, understanding SPQ helps you place cleaner, more efficient orders.

In purchasing, SPQ means you should buy in standard multiples of the pack quantity—like 25, 50, or 100 units per box—to match how the supplier stores and ships the product.

How to use SPQ when ordering:

• Ask your supplier: “What’s the SPQ for this item?”
• Plan your purchase quantity⁸ in full multiples of the SPQ
• Clarify if partial cartons are allowed (some charge extra)
• Confirm if the SPQ applies per style, color, or SKU

Example:

You want to buy T-shirts from a manufacturer:

• MOQ = 300 pcs
• SPQ = 50 pcs
• Your best order: 300, 350, or 400 pcs
• Avoid: 325 or 370 (unless you’ve confirmed mixed cartons are okay)

Understanding SPQ helps prevent packing delays⁹ and unexpected fulfillment issues.

Conclusion

MOQ, SPQ, and MPQ may look like small numbers on a quote—but they play a big role in how you order, pack, and profit. Learn these terms early, and you’ll make smarter sourcing decisions every step of the way.