Use this tool

Prepare the input and run the tool

Paste an Amazon variation flat file with SKU, parent SKU, parentage, relationship type, variation theme, and option columns. Result: Download a variation issue report with row numbers and suggested fixes.

All tools

AssumptionsDoes not submit variation files to Amazon. Does not replace category-specific variation theme rules inside Seller Central.

Paste parent and child variation rows to check whether the family is ready for an Amazon flat file upload.

Amazon variation flat file content

Ready.

Run the checker to generate a parent-child variation report.

Data handling: This page processes only pasted text and form inputs in this browser session.

Readiness details

What to check before using the result

Sample input

Amazon variation rows with SKU, parent SKU, parentage, relationship type, variation theme, and option columns.

Output preview

Variation issue report for missing parent rows, repeated child option combinations, and incomplete variation fields.

Expected checks

Missing parent SKUs
Children without variation theme
Duplicate option combinations
Parent rows carrying child-only values

Artifacts you can produce

Parent-child variation issue report

What this tool does not do

Does not submit variation files to Amazon.
Does not replace category-specific variation theme rules inside Seller Central.

Practical notes

Run this before image checks when the upload includes variation families.
Fix family structure before reviewing lower-priority content warnings.

References and workflow

Open related workflow

Tool guide

How to use Amazon Parent-Child Variation Checker

What this tool does

Check parent-child variation rows before upload and find missing parent SKUs, duplicate options, and broken variation families.

Input: Paste an Amazon variation flat file with SKU, parent SKU, parentage, relationship type, variation theme, and option columns
Output: Download a variation issue report with row numbers and suggested fixes

Step-by-step usage guide

1Paste the Amazon flat file rows that contain your variation family.
2Run the checker to group children by parent SKU and compare option combinations.
3Fix missing parents, missing variation themes, and repeated child option combinations before upload.

Common errors and fixes

Child rows cannot find a parent SKU

The child row may reference a parent SKU that is blank, misspelled, or missing from the pasted file.

Add or correct the parent row, keep parent SKUs exact, and rerun the checker before uploading the variation family.

Duplicate option combinations appear

Two child rows can share the same color, size, or variation option under one parent.

Keep one row for each option combination and change or remove accidental duplicates.

Parent rows include child-only values

Parent rows should usually describe the family, while price, quantity, and sellable identifiers belong on child rows.

Move sellable values to child rows and keep parent rows focused on the relationship fields required by Amazon.

FAQ

What variation problems does this catch?

It catches missing parent rows, child rows without parent SKU, missing variation themes, duplicate option combinations, and parent rows with price or quantity values.

Which columns should I include?

Include SKU, parent SKU, parentage or parent_child, relationship_type, variation_theme, and the option columns used by your product type.

Amazon Parent-Child Variation Checker