What percentage of Amazon orders offer same-day delivery?
Amazon currently delivers nearly 60% of Prime orders via same-day or next-day delivery in the top 60 U.S. metropolitan areas as of 2024. This figure represents a significant achievement in logistics speed, with Amazon processing over 9 billion items through these expedited delivery channels throughout 2024—marking the company’s fastest delivery speeds ever for Prime members.
The distinction between “same-day” and “same- or next-day” delivery is important for understanding Amazon’s statistics. While the combined figure reaches 60%, pure same-day delivery represents approximately 12-15% of eligible Prime orders, based on order timing, geographic proximity to fulfillment centers, and product availability.
Numbers at a glance
- 60% of Prime orders in top 60 U.S. metros arrive same-day or next-day (2024)
- 9+ billion items delivered via same-day or next-day in 2024
- 140+ metropolitan areas now offer same-day delivery coverage
- 75 million Americans have access to same-day delivery
- 12-15% estimated pure same-day delivery share of Prime orders
- $35 minimum order value for free same-day delivery
- 90-98% on-time delivery rates across regions
Delivery Speed Breakdown
How Amazon defines “same-day delivery”
Amazon’s same-day delivery service operates under specific parameters that determine eligibility and delivery windows. Understanding these definitions helps clarify how the company achieves its impressive delivery statistics.
Order cutoff times typically range from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, varying by location and local fulfillment capacity. Orders placed before these cutoffs generally arrive by 9:00 PM the same day, though some metropolitan areas offer delivery windows as narrow as 2-4 hours.
Eligible products include standard-size items that weigh less than 50 pounds and meet Amazon’s same-day inventory requirements. Bulky items, hazardous materials, and products requiring special handling are typically excluded from same-day options.
Geographic coverage spans over 140 metropolitan areas as of 2024, representing a 60% expansion from the previous year. This network serves approximately 75 million Americans, with plans to extend coverage to over 4,000 smaller cities, towns, and rural communities by the end of 2025.
Latest percentage figures
United States metropolitan coverage
In the top 60 U.S. metropolitan areas, nearly 60% of Prime orders arrive via same-day or next-day delivery according to Amazon’s 2024 performance data. This metric combines both delivery speeds, as Amazon often groups these statistics together when reporting logistics achievements.
Estimated pure same-day share
While Amazon doesn’t typically separate same-day from next-day figures in public reporting, industry analysis suggests pure same-day delivery accounts for approximately 12-15% of eligible Prime orders. This estimate derives from order timing patterns, fulfillment center proximity, and the fact that only about 45% of orders are placed before the typical same-day cutoff times.
Global delivery performance
Amazon delivered over 9 billion items via same-day or next-day delivery globally in 2024, representing the company’s fastest delivery speeds ever. This figure encompasses Amazon’s entire international network, including markets like the UK, Japan, and Germany where same-day coverage is more limited.
Historical trend analysis
Amazon’s same-day and next-day delivery performance has steadily improved since 2020:
| Year | Same-Day/Next-Day Share | Notable Developments |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ~40% in major metros | Pandemic logistics challenges |
| 2021 | ~45% in major metros | Network expansion begins |
| 2022 | ~50% in major metros | Regionalization strategy |
| 2023 | ~55% in major metros | AI-powered inventory placement |
| 2024 | ~60% in major metros | Record 9 billion fast deliveries |
Why same-day coverage is expanding
Amazon’s ability to achieve these delivery speeds stems from strategic investments in logistics infrastructure and technology-driven optimizations.
Regionalized fulfillment network
Amazon has fundamentally restructured its fulfillment network to position inventory closer to customers. The company’s regionalization strategy, implemented over the past three years, has reduced average shipping distances by approximately 10% year-over-year according to company reports.
Dedicated same-day delivery stations
The expansion to 140+ metropolitan areas reflects Amazon’s investment in smaller, specialized facilities designed specifically for same-day fulfillment. These facilities typically cover areas within a 20-mile radius and stock fast-moving, frequently ordered items.
Machine learning inventory placement
Amazon employs sophisticated algorithms to predict local demand and pre-position inventory accordingly. This technology enables the company to stock popular items closer to customers before they’re even ordered, significantly reducing fulfillment time.
The impact of these optimizations is measurable: Amazon reports that delivery distances have decreased by 10% annually, while the percentage of orders eligible for same-day delivery continues to grow across its network.
Geographic availability and coverage
Current U.S. coverage map
Same-day delivery is available in major metropolitan areas including New York City (with 2-4 hour delivery windows), Los Angeles (covering over 90% of the metro area), and Chicago (where next-day delivery reaches 95% of the metro area). The service extends to over 140 metropolitan areas nationwide.
Rural expansion initiative
Amazon announced plans to extend same-day and next-day delivery to more than 4,000 smaller U.S. cities, towns, and rural communities by the end of 2025. This expansion targets locations typically underserved by fast delivery due to distance from physical retailers and limited local fulfillment options.
International availability
Outside the United States, same-day delivery availability varies significantly. The UK and Japan offer limited same-day coverage in major cities, while most other international markets focus primarily on next-day delivery for Prime members.
Projected coverage by 2027
Industry analysts project that Amazon’s same-day delivery coverage could reach 80-85% of the U.S. population by 2027, assuming successful execution of current expansion plans. This would represent a significant increase from the current 75 million Americans with access to the service.
Factors that determine order eligibility
Several criteria determine whether a specific order qualifies for same-day delivery, even within covered geographic areas.
Prime membership requirement
Same-day delivery is exclusively available to Amazon Prime members, who pay $139 annually or $14.99 monthly for the service. This membership requirement ensures Amazon can offer the service at no additional charge for qualifying orders.
Order value thresholds
Most same-day deliveries require a minimum order value of $35 to qualify for free delivery. Orders below this threshold may still receive same-day delivery but incur additional fees, typically $2.99-$9.99 depending on the region.
Timing considerations
Only approximately 45% of daily orders are placed before the typical same-day cutoff times (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM), according to industry analysis. This timing constraint naturally limits the percentage of orders that can qualify for same-day delivery, regardless of other factors.
Orders placed after cutoff times are typically routed to next-day delivery, contributing to Amazon’s combined same-day/next-day delivery statistics.
Customer benefits and spending patterns
Increased customer spending
Prime members with access to same-day delivery demonstrate higher spending patterns compared to those without the service. While specific 2024 data isn’t available, historical studies suggest same-day delivery users spend approximately 20-30% more annually than standard Prime members.
Cart conversion improvements
The availability of same-day delivery options has been shown to improve cart conversion rates, particularly for time-sensitive purchases like groceries, household essentials, and last-minute gifts. Amazon reports that Prime members placed nearly 100 orders per household on average in 2024, or approximately two orders per week.
Customer satisfaction metrics
Amazon maintains high on-time delivery rates between 90-98% depending on the region, with the best performance on the West Coast (97-98%). These reliability metrics support customer confidence in same-day delivery promises.
Seller and brand considerations
FBA vs. Seller Fulfilled Prime
Third-party sellers can participate in same-day delivery through Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program or by qualifying for Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP). FBA sellers benefit from automatic inclusion in same-day eligible inventory when their products are stocked in appropriate fulfillment centers.
Inventory positioning costs
Sellers using FBA may face additional inventory placement fees to ensure their products are positioned for same-day delivery. Amazon’s distance-band pricing model, implemented in 2024, can reduce per-unit fees by up to 35% for items under 20 pounds when positioned near same-day fulfillment nodes.
Performance requirements
Sellers participating in same-day delivery programs must maintain strict performance metrics, including on-time delivery rates above 95% and order defect rates below 1%. These requirements ensure customer satisfaction and protect Amazon’s delivery promise reputation.
Frequently asked questions
Is same-day delivery free with Prime?
Yes, same-day delivery is free for Prime members on orders over $35. Orders below this threshold may incur additional fees of $2.99-$9.99.
How late can I order for same-day delivery?
Cutoff times vary by location but typically range from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Orders placed before the cutoff usually arrive by 9:00 PM the same day.
Does weather affect same-day delivery?
Yes, severe weather conditions can delay same-day deliveries. Amazon typically communicates delays proactively and may extend delivery windows during weather events.
Can I choose an Amazon Locker for same-day delivery?
Same-day delivery to Amazon Lockers is available in select locations, though home delivery remains the primary option for most same-day orders.
What happens if Amazon misses the delivery promise?
Amazon typically offers account credits, shipping refunds, or promotional credits when delivery promises aren’t met, though specific remedies vary by situation.
Does Amazon Fresh count in same-day delivery statistics?
Amazon Fresh groceries are generally tracked separately from the standard same-day delivery metrics, though both services contribute to Amazon’s overall fast delivery capabilities.
How does Amazon compare to Walmart and Target for same-day delivery?
Amazon’s 60% same-day/next-day rate in top metros exceeds most competitors. Walmart and Target offer same-day delivery in select markets but with more limited geographic coverage.
Will returns pickup be same-day too?
Amazon offers same-day pickup for returns in select metropolitan areas, though this service is less widely available than same-day delivery.
Sources and methodology
- Amazon Newsroom — Official 2024 delivery speed records, 5 billion item milestone, and network expansion details
- PyMNTS — 2024 delivery volume update showing 9 billion items delivered same-day or next-day
- Red Stag Fulfillment — Regional delivery performance analysis and on-time rates by state
- GeekWire — Rural expansion plans targeting 4,000 additional communities by 2025
- Capital One Shopping — Comprehensive logistics statistics and delivery performance metrics
- Ecomcrew — Eligibility requirements and order minimums for same-day deliver
