ToolCloverOn this page
How to use the cash count sheet
- Count each denomination and type how many you have: 7 twenties, 13 quarters and so on. The amount for each row and the total update as you type. Press Enter to move to the next row.
- Add rolled coins separately, by the roll, so you don't have to break them open.
- Check against the register (optional): enter the starting cash, the cash sales from your register report, and any cash paid out. You'll see what should be in the drawer and whether you're over or short.
- See the deposit. The sheet keeps the starting cash in the drawer for the next shift and shows the rest as the deposit. Enter a different "Leave in drawer" amount to change it.
- Print the count sheet for your records, or print a blank one to fill in by hand. Choose "Save as PDF" in the print window to keep a digital copy.
How to tell if a drawer is over or short
Expected cash = starting cash + cash sales − cash paid out. Compare that with what you counted.
- A drawer that started with $150.00, took $412.35 in cash sales and paid out $20.00 should hold $542.35.
- If you count $541.10, the drawer is short $1.25. If you count $543.00, it's over $0.65.
- Leaving the $150.00 float for the next shift, a count of $541.10 means a deposit of $391.10.
Small differences often come from giving change without pennies. If your store rounds cash totals to the nearest 5 cents, each sale can move the drawer by up to 2 cents, so a few cents over or short at the end of a day is normal. See the Penny Rounding Calculator and your state's rule on the penny rounding laws by state page.
How much is in a coin roll?
| Coin | Coins per roll | Value per roll |
|---|---|---|
| Quarters | 40 | $10.00 |
| Dimes | 50 | $5.00 |
| Nickels | 40 | $2.00 |
| Pennies | 50 | $0.50 |
Tips for counting a cash drawer
- Count away from the register and out of view of customers, with the drawer closed to sales.
- Face and sort bills by denomination before counting, largest first.
- Count twice. Have a second person verify and sign the sheet, especially for the deposit.
- Build the next float first: set aside the starting cash in small bills and coins, then count the rest as the deposit.
- Write down over and short amounts every shift, even small ones. Patterns matter more than any single count.
Cash count sheet FAQ
How do you work out if a cash drawer is over or short?
Add the starting cash (float) to the cash sales from the register, subtract any cash paid out, and compare that expected amount with the cash you counted. More than expected is over; less is short.
How much should I deposit?
Deposit the counted total minus the cash you leave in the drawer for the next shift, which is usually the same as the starting float.
How much is a roll of quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies?
Standard bank rolls hold 40 quarters ($10), 50 dimes ($5), 40 nickels ($2) and 50 pennies (50 cents).
Is my count saved or sent anywhere?
No. The count is worked out in your browser and isn't saved or sent to our server. Print the sheet or copy the summary before you close the page.