Cash count calculator

Count a cash drawer by bills and coins and compare it with the expected amount.

In shortMultiply the count of each denomination by its value, add them up, subtract the starting float, and compare with expected cash sales from the register report.

Who uses itCashiers, shift leads and store managers
WhenAt opening, at shift change and at close
You needCount of each bill and coin plus the float
ResultDrawer total and the amount over or short

Your cash count inputs

How the cash count works

Drawer total = sum of (count × value) for every bill and coin.

Cash taken = drawer total − starting float.

Difference = cash taken − expected cash sales. Positive means over, negative means short.

Walking through a cash count example

At close a cashier counts 3 × $50, 12 × $20, 8 × $10, 9 × $5, 27 × $1, 20 quarters, 15 dimes, 6 nickels and 14 pennies: $548.94. With a $150 float, cash taken is $398.94. The register report expects $402.50, so the drawer is short $3.56, which is recorded on the closing sheet.

Who uses this calculator

Use it at the end of a shift to balance a till, or at opening to check the float. It reduces counting mistakes and makes over and short amounts obvious.

Count in a private, secure place, ideally with two people, and record the result on your cashier closing checklist.

Another cash count example

A gas station cashier closing a $200 drawer counts 1 x $100, 2 x $50, 15 x $20, 6 x $10, 11 x $5, 34 x $1, 40 quarters, 22 dimes, 10 nickels and 31 pennies, for $662.01 in the drawer. Taking out the float leaves $462.01 in cash taken. The register report expects $464.80, so the drawer is short $2.79.

Reading the result

Cash taken is what the drawer collected in cash during the shift, and the difference compares it with the register report. A short or over result only means something if the float was right at the start and nothing left the drawer, such as a cash refund or a delivery paid in cash, without a paid-out slip. Bill and coin counts are rounded to whole pieces, so a decimal typed by mistake is dropped.

Mistakes with the cash count

Recounting a short drawer with the same person in the same order. Have a second person count in a different order to catch a skipped stack.
Mixing checks and gift cards with cash. Count non-cash tenders separately against their own report line.
Forgetting to reset the float before the next shift. Build the next drawer to the standard float before putting the rest in the safe.

The cash count by team type

Food trucks and marketsCount once at the end of the day and photograph the totals sheet, since there may be no safe on site.

Multi-register storesGive each drawer its own float and number so a shortage traces back to one register.

Pro tipFace all bills the same way and band them in fixed bundles of 25 or 50 as you count. Bundles make a recount quick.

What people ask about the cash count calculator

Should I include rolled coins?

Yes. Enter the number of coins, not rolls.

What if the drawer is over or short?

Recount, record the difference and tell the manager. Look for patterns over time.

Can a cashier be charged for a shortage?

Deductions from wages for shortages are restricted in many states. Get advice before doing it.

Does it store my data?

No. Everything stays in your browser.

How should I build the float for the next shift?

Pull the float amount first in small bills and coins, such as $1s, $5s and rolled change, and send the larger bills with the deposit. A float made of $20s cannot make change for the first customers.

What do I do with cash when the drawer is over?

Deposit all the cash taken and record the overage on the closing sheet, just as you would a shortage. Leaving extra cash in the drawer to cover a future shortage hides counting and change-making errors.

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General information and an estimate only. It is not legal, payroll, tax or financial advice. Rules vary by state and city. Check important results with a qualified professional.