Troubleshooting Paypal Error. "OrderTotal (Amt): Required Parameter Missing or 'Bad Math' Error"

When using POWR Form Builder with PayPal integration, you might encounter the following error during checkout:

PayPal Error: "OrderTotal (Amt): Required parameter missing OR 'Bad Math' error"

This error typically arises due to specific configurations within your form.

In This Article:

• Understanding the Error

• Common Causes

• Recommended Solutions

• Additional Tips

• FAQs

• Need Further Assistance?

Understanding the Error

The error message indicates that PayPal is either missing a required parameter (OrderTotal or Amt) or there's a discrepancy in the total amount calculation, leading to a "Bad Math" error.

Common Causes

1. Identical Checkbox Options:
   Having multiple checkbox options with identical or overlapping text can confuse the total amount calculation. For example:

   • Option 1: "Basic Plan"

   • Option 2: "Basic Plan Plus Support"
     
     

   Here, "Basic Plan" is a subset of "Basic Plan Plus Support," which can lead to calculation errors.
   For example, use clear separation of plans as below:
   
   

2. Use of Special Characters:
   Including special characters, especially the ampersand (&), in option labels can cause issues. For instance:

   • "Research & Development" should be replaced with "Research and Development."

Recommended Solutions

1. Ensure Unique Option Labels:
   Modify checkbox option texts to be distinct and non-overlapping. This helps in accurate total calculations.

2. Avoid Special Characters:
   Replace special characters like & with their word equivalents. For example, use "and" instead of "&."

3. Separate Checkbox Elements:
   If you have options that might overlap, consider using separate multiple checkbox elements for each group. This segregation can prevent calculation conflicts.

Additional Tips

• Review Form Configurations:
  Regularly check your form settings to ensure all options are correctly configured.

• Test Before Publishing:
  Always test your form's payment process applying discounts to catch potential errors early.

FAQs

Q: Why does the error occur only with certain checkbox configurations?
A: Overlapping or identical option texts can confuse the system's calculation logic, leading to errors.

Q: Can I use symbols in option labels?
A: It's recommended to avoid special characters like & in option labels to prevent potential issues.

Need Further Assistance?

If you've implemented the above solutions and still encounter issues, please contact POWR Support for personalized assistance.