Why is there a base_row_total variable in Quote and Order models?

Question

I'm trying to understand the purpose of base_row_total property in Quote and Order sales models.

I still haven't found an example in which it's different from row_total.

Can anyone clarify ? I think it's there for tax calculations ?

Answer 1

Magento has the ability to calculate currencies based on a conversion rate from store to store. Your base store may be in USD, but you also sell in the UK so you accept GBP.

The base_row_total is the total of that row, in the base currency. Magento applies all line-item discounts at the row-level, so keeping track of the row total is important. Storing it in the base currency is important for exchange rate.

More information can be found in the merchant docs at http://merch.docs.magento.com/ce/user_guide/content/configuration/currency-setup.html