Count each denomination, multiply, add it up
The total in a drawer is just every denomination's count times its value, summed. Keep coins and bills as two running subtotals and add them at the end — it is easier to spot a slip that way, and it matches how a till reconciliation is written up.
US denominations and roll values
| Denomination | Value | Per roll / strap | Roll value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penny | $0.01 | 50 | $0.50 |
| Nickel | $0.05 | 40 | $2.00 |
| Dime | $0.10 | 50 | $5.00 |
| Quarter | $0.25 | 40 | $10.00 |
| $1 bill | $1.00 | 100 | $100 |
| $5 bill | $5.00 | 100 | $500 |
| $10 bill | $10.00 | 100 | $1,000 |
| $20 bill | $20.00 | 100 | $2,000 |
| $50 bill | $50.00 | 100 | $5,000 |
| $100 bill | $100.00 | 100 | $10,000 |
A full bill strap is 100 notes regardless of denomination, so a strap of $20s is $2,000. The $1 and $20 bills are the most common in a retail till.
Where cash counts go wrong
- Separate coins before counting. Dimes and quarters get mixed at speed; the dime is the smaller, thinner coin. Sort into piles first.
- Count each stack once. Recounting from scratch invites a different answer. Count, write it down, and only recount the one stack that looks off.
- Do bills first, largest down. A single $50 flat on the bottom of the drawer is the classic miss; running bills before coins keeps the big values from slipping past.
Common questions
How do I total up a cash drawer?
Count how many of each denomination you have, multiply each count by its face value, and add the results. Ten $20 bills plus forty quarters is $200 plus $10, so $210.
How do I check whether my till balances at the end of the day?
Total all the bills and coins in the drawer, subtract the starting float, and compare that against the sales the register recorded. A difference of more than about 50 cents usually means a miscount or a missed transaction.
What is a roll of quarters worth?
A standard roll holds 40 quarters, which is $10. Dimes come 50 to a roll ($5), nickels 40 ($2), and pennies 50 (50 cents).
