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title: "Count Types — Single vs Double | Documentation"
description: "Every stocktake uses either a Single or Double count method. Learn how each method works, what Count Errors are, and when to choose verification counting over a single pass."
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://website-staging.stokkd.com/llms.txt)

## What It Is

The **count type** determines how many times each area of a stocktake is counted before it moves to review. It is set when the stocktake is created, alongside the [stocktake type](https://website-staging.stokkd.com/stocktake-types), and applies to the whole stocktake.

Two count types are available:

- **Single** — each area is counted once
- **Double** — each area is counted twice, independently, as a verification step

## Why It Matters

Double counting catches counting mistakes - miskeyed quantities, missed shelves, duplicate scans — before they turn into variances against your system quantities. It takes more counting effort, but produces more reliable results and **drastically** reduces time spent reviewing and chasing down variances. Single counting is faster initially, but relies entirely on the accuracy of one pass, and a lot more time is spent on the Variances screen.

In practice, the double count produces much better results, is faster overall, and is much less annoying for the users. It is one of the **core** features of Stokkd and its use is **strongly recommended**.

## How It Works

### Single Count

Each area is counted once. Once an area's count is complete and locked, it moves straight to **variance review**, where counted quantities are compared against the system's expected quantities.

### Double Count

Each area is counted **twice**, independently — typically by two different people or devices:

1. **Count 1** — the first pass through the area
2. **Count 2** — a second, independent pass through the same area

Once both counts are complete, Stokkd compares Count 1 and Count 2 for every item. Items where the two counts **don't match** become **Count Errors** — these must be reviewed and resolved before the stocktake can proceed to variance review. Only once Count Errors are resolved does the stocktake compare the agreed quantity against the system's expected quantity, the same as a Single count.

An area is only marked `Complete` once **both** count phases are finished. The Area Manager and Stocktake Dashboard show separate **Count 1** and **Count 2** columns whenever Double Count is in use, and a **Count Errors** button appears once there are mismatches to review.

## Key Settings

- **Applies per stocktake, not per area:** The count type is set once for the whole stocktake; you cannot mix Single and Double counting within the same stocktake.
- **Before posting:** A Double Count stocktake cannot be posted while any Count Errors remain unresolved, or while any area still has outstanding counts.

## Best Practices

- **Use Double Count for routine or compliance stocktakes** where accuracy matters most — the extra verification pass catches data entry mistakes before they become reported variances.
- **Use Single Count for fast spot checks or low-risk categories**, such as frequent cycle counts where speed matters more than independent verification.
- **Resolve Count Errors promptly.** Unresolved mismatches block the stocktake from reaching variance review, so address them as soon as both counts for an area are complete.
- **Assign Count 1 and Count 2 to different people or devices** where possible — counting the same area twice with the same counter reduces the value of the verification step.

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