Change Calculator — Coins and Bills to Return (Cashier)
Enter the bill amount and the money received to get the change due and how to hand it out with the fewest possible euro notes and coins.
Change
€32.37
€50.00 given - €17.63 bill
Optimal Combination (7 pieces)
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate change correctly?
Subtract the purchase price from the amount paid. Count up from the price to the payment amount using the largest denominations first to determine the correct change.
Is there a right to pay with coins in Germany?
Retailers are obligated to accept up to 50 coins per transaction. Beyond that, they can refuse coin payments. Banknotes are unlimited legal tender in the eurozone.
Are my entered amounts stored anywhere?
No. All calculations happen exclusively in your browser. Your inputs are never sent to our server or stored. You can safely enter sensitive financial data.
Guide
What is the Change Calculator — Coins and Bills to Return (Cashier)?
The change calculator determines the correct amount of change and shows the optimal denomination in banknotes and coins.
How does the Change Calculator — Coins and Bills to Return (Cashier) work?
Enter the bill amount and the cash tendered. The calculator computes the change and assembles the denomination to minimise the number of coins and notes used.
Key Data and Facts
Optimal denomination: largest units first. Euro coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cent, 1 and 2 euros. Euro banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 euros.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate change step by step: 1. Enter the bill amount: enter the exact amount of the bill, e.g. 17.38 EUR. 2. Enter the amount given: the sum the customer hands over, e.g. 20.00 EUR. 3. Calculate the change: 20.00 - 17.38 = 2.62 EUR in change. 4. Determine the optimal denomination: the calculator picks the largest units first: 1 x 2-EUR coin, 1 x 50-cent piece, 1 x 10-cent piece, 1 x 2-cent piece. A total of 4 coins instead of the maximum possible 262 cent pieces. 5. Check calculation: verify that the bill amount plus the change equals the amount given: 17.38 + 2.62 = 20.00 EUR. Tip: For cashiers it is advisable to count up from the bill amount to the amount given – this way you avoid mistakes when giving back change.
Calculation Example
Bill: 17.38 EUR, paid: 50 EUR. Change: 32.62 EUR. Denominations: 1 x 20 EUR, 1 x 10 EUR, 1 x 2 EUR, 1 x 50 cents, 1 x 10 cents, 1 x 2 cents = 6 coins/bills.
Sources
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
- Deutsche Bundesbank
- Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin)
- Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis)
Full methodology at Methodology.
Reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Last updated:
Finance
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