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Step 1
Speak out loud when counting out change. This allows the customer to hear what you are doing and ensures the amount of change is correct.
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Step 2
Start with the change. Use pennies to get to the first number divisible by 5 and then use nickels, dimes or quarters until you are at the next dollar. For example, if the amount owed is $1.43 and you receive $2, you count out 2 pennies to get to 45, then a nickel to get to 50 and then 2 quarters to make $2. Try to use the fewest number of coins when making change.
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Step 3
Count your bills next starting from the lowest bill to the highest. Use the fewest number of bills possible in order to give the correct change. Start with dollar bills until you reach a number divisible by 5 and then use $5, $10, $20 or larger bills until you reach the number you want. For example, if you are counting out change for an item that is $12 and you are handed a $20 bill, give the customer three $1 dollar bills to get to $15, and then a $5 bill to get to $20.
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Step 4
Place the money you are counting back into the customer's hand. Hand them the coins first and then, one at a time, hand them the bills as you count aloud. For example, counting out change for an item that cost $11.72 out of a $20 sounds like this: 3 pennies makes 75, a quarter makes $12, (as you hand them three $1 bills) 13, 14, 15 and $5 makes $20.
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Step 5
Improve your change-making ability by practicing online. Play games designed to challenge you to make the correct change using the fewest possible bills and coins. Take the change making challenge on Math Playground for practice. (See link in Resource section.)
