Expert Tips for Selecting the Quickest Checkout Lane at the Grocery Store

Even if grocery shopping is your favorite activity, waiting in line to pay is likely not your idea of fun. This applies whether you’re queuing up for a cashier or slowly advancing toward the self-checkout kiosks. No matter which option you pick, it always seems like your line is the one moving at a snail’s pace. 

However, what if you could improve your chances of picking the speediest lane? The experts we consulted say it’s possible. All it requires is a bit of keen observation, and for those who want to go the extra mile, a touch of math. Here’s what they shared.

Focus on Cart Contents, Not Just the Number of Shoppers

Richard Larson, an MIT professor, emphasizes evaluating both the length of the line and the quantity of items in each shopper’s cart or basket when selecting a checkout lane. “You might face a choice between a short line with two people carrying $150 worth of groceries and a longer line with four people, each holding fewer than 10 items.” In such scenarios, Larson recommends choosing the longer line. “The time spent per customer is significantly shorter.” 

He also highlights that not all items are equal: a basket filled with produce that needs to be weighed will take more time than one containing only scannable items. “Cashiers can process barcode-scannable items at a rate of at least one per second. However, items requiring weighing take six to seven seconds each. This creates a nearly tenfold difference in processing time per item.” In short, pay attention to what’s inside the carts ahead of you, not just the number of carts.

Crunch the Numbers

Even the quick assessments Larson describes can help you estimate which line might be faster. But if you want to be precise and enjoy calculations, he suggests a method that distinguishes between scannable and weighable items to determine the optimal choice.

“Examine the carts ahead to determine the proportion of items that are scannable versus those that aren’t. For non-scannable items, multiply each by a factor of ten to account for the additional time they’ll take.” Keep in mind that scannable items take roughly one second each, while non-scannable items require about seven seconds per piece. 

Here’s how to apply Larson’s approach. Imagine you’re deciding between two lines, each with one shopper. In Line A, the shopper has around 30 items, with about half (15) needing to be weighed. The scannable items will take approximately 15 seconds. Using Larson’s formula, multiply the 15 non-scannable items by seven seconds each, totaling 105 seconds. Combining both, this cart will likely take about 120 seconds, or two minutes, to process. 

In Line B, the shopper has about 50 items, but only five require weighing. Applying the same calculation, this cart will take roughly 80 seconds to scan, despite having more items than the cart in Line A. 

No need to stress about doing this math mentally—your phone’s calculator app is perfect for this! However, if you enjoy mental challenges, simplify the process by multiplying weighable items by 10 instead of seven. This makes the math quicker, even if it slightly overestimates the time. With practice, this method will become second nature.

Observe the Cashiers’ Efficiency

While friendliness is appreciated, lengthy conversations between a cashier and a customer can test your patience. To avoid this, Trader Joe's cashier Jill Filson recommends observing the cashiers briefly before selecting a line. “This way, you can choose one who isn’t overly talkative.” Filson also points out that shoppers often flock to the middle lanes, leaving the outer ones less crowded. So, take a moment to check the lanes at either end before making your choice.

Reconsider Self-Checkout

Occasionally, self-checkout is your only option, and in those cases, good luck! However, if you have a choice, think carefully before joining that line unless it’s short and multiple registers are open. According to Julie Niederhoff, PhD, a professor at Syracuse University, self-checkout is seldom quicker than traditional cashiers. “Shoppers usually scan items up to 10 times slower than professionals.” 

Despite this, many shoppers favor self-checkout, particularly for 15 items or fewer. “I see it as the modern express lane,” says Jeff Wells, lead editor at Grocery Dive, who uses self-checkout for small orders. If you’re leaning toward self-checkout, he advises ensuring multiple machines are operational and that an employee is nearby to assist with age-restricted purchases. 

Here’s another tip to speed up your self-checkout experience: memorize the PLU codes for your frequently purchased produce. These codes are universal, much like the universal wish to avoid long grocery lines.