How to Add a Variable Product in WordPress

Last modified: March 18, 2026

Variable products allow you to sell items with different options such as size, color, material, or style. Each option (called a variation) can have its own price, stock quantity, and image.

This guide explains how to create a variable product in WooCommerce from your WordPress dashboard.

For PC

For Mobile

Step 1: Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard

Start by accessing the WordPress admin area.

  1. Open your browser and go to your login page.
    Example: yourwebsite.com/wp-admin
  2. Enter your username and password.
  3. Click Log In.

You will be redirected to the WordPress dashboard, where you can manage products and store settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Add New Product

Next, open the product creation page.

  1. In the left-hand side panel, locate Products.
  2. Click Products.
  3. Select Add New.

This will open the product editor, where you can create a new product.

Step 3: Enter the Product Details

At the top of the product editor, enter the product name and description.

Product Name

Add a clear and descriptive product title. Examples: Wireless Headphones, Men’s Casual Sneakers, Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Choose a name that is simple, specific, and easy for customers to understand.

Product Description

Below the title field, you will find the main description editor.

Use this section to provide detailed information about the product, such as: Key features, Materials or specifications, Product benefits, Usage instructions

A well-written description improves user understanding and can also boost search engine visibility.

Before configuring product data, move to the right-hand sidebar to add images and organize your product.

Set the Product Image

This is the main image customers will see on your store and product pages.

  • Locate the Product Image panel

  • Click Set product image

  • Upload a new image or select one from the media library

  • Click Set product image

Add Product Gallery Images

The product gallery allows you to showcase multiple images.

  • Locate Product Gallery

  • Click Add product gallery images

  • Upload or select multiple images

Use gallery images to show different angles, features, or use cases.

Assign a Product Category

Categories help organize your store and improve navigation.

  • Find the Product Categories panel

  • Select an existing category

  • Or click Add New Category to create one

Step 4: Edit Product Data 

Scroll down to the Product Data section.

  1. Click the Product Type dropdown.
  2. Select Variable Product.

This will unlock additional tabs needed to create product variations.

Add Product Attributes

Attributes define the options customers can choose from, such as size or color.

  1. In the Product Data section, click the Attributes tab.
  2. Click Add.
  3. Enter the attribute name. Example: Size, Color

In the Values field, enter the available options separated by a pipe symbol |.

Example:

  • Small | Medium | Large
  • Red | Blue | Black.

Click Save Attributes.

You can add multiple attributes if your product has several options.

Example:

  • Size: Small | Medium | Large
  • Color: Red | Blue | Black

Create Product Variations

Once attributes are saved, you can generate variations.

  1. Click the Variations tab.
  2. Select Generate variations.
  3. Click Save Changes

WooCommerce will automatically generate all possible combinations.

Example:

  • Small – Red
  • Small – Blue
  • Medium – Red
  • Medium – Blue

Step 5: Configure Variation Details

After generating variations, you could set a price for all variations, or you could set different individual prices for each variation.

For every variation, you can set:

  • Regular price
  • Sale price (optional)
  • SKU
  • Stock quantity
  • Weight or dimensions
  • Variation image (optional)

Click on a variation to expand it and fill in the required details.

Step 6: Publish the Product

Once all details are complete:

  1. Review the product information.
  2. Click Publish in the top-right corner.

Your variable product will now be available in your WooCommerce store, and customers can select the variation they want before purchasing.

Best Practices for Variable Products

To create a better shopping experience:

  • Use clear attribute names such as Size or Color.
  • Add images for each variation when possible.
  • Keep variation combinations manageable.
  • Ensure pricing and stock are set for every variation.
  • Use high-quality images for product display.

Variable products make your store and its items more flexible and allow customers to choose the exact option they want. 

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