Coin change calculator
Type any amount to see the smallest number of U.S. coins that makes it. For example, $3.87 is 3 dollar coins, a half dollar, a quarter, a dime and 2 pennies.
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Calculator
The calculator needs JavaScript. The tables below give the same numbers for common cases.
The calculator starts with the largest coin and works down, which gives the fewest pieces for U.S. coins (dollar coin, half dollar, quarter, dime, nickel, penny). Choose "Bills and coins" to use bills first, then coins.
It also shows the combined weight of those pieces, using the U.S. Mint coin weights and about one gram per bill.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fewest coins for 99 cents?
8 coins: 1 half dollar, 1 quarter, 2 dimes and 4 pennies. Without a half dollar it is 9 coins: 3 quarters, 2 dimes and 4 pennies.
Does every shop have all coins?
No. Half dollars and dollar coins are rarely stocked, so a quarters-only count may be more useful.
How do I make change for a dollar?
Four quarters, ten dimes, twenty nickels or one hundred pennies make $1.
Sources: U.S. Mint, Coin Specifications. Checked 2026-11-12. Figures described as "about" or "roughly" are arithmetic on these sources.
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General information only. Weights, sizes and counts come from the sources shown on each page and may change; check with your bank or the issuer before you rely on them. Nothing here is financial advice.