Counting Coins
Learn
What is Money?
Money is what we use to buy things. Coins are small, round pieces of metal that are worth different amounts.
Meet the Coins!
In the United States, we use these coins:
U.S. Coins and Their Values
- Penny - worth 1 cent (1c) - small and copper/brown colored
- Nickel - worth 5 cents (5c) - medium size, silver colored, thicker
- Dime - worth 10 cents (10c) - smallest coin, silver colored
- Quarter - worth 25 cents (25c) - largest coin, silver colored
The Cent Sign
We use the cent sign (c) to show how much coins are worth. 100 cents = 1 dollar!
Counting Trick
When counting coins, start with the coins worth the most (quarters first), then dimes, nickels, and pennies last!
How to Count Coins
- Sort your coins by type
- Start with the coin worth the most
- Count by 25s for quarters
- Count by 10s for dimes
- Count by 5s for nickels
- Count by 1s for pennies
- Add them all together!
Examples
Let's count some coins!
Example 1: Count 3 pennies
Step 1: Each penny is worth 1 cent
Step 2: Count: 1, 2, 3
Answer: 3 pennies = 3 cents
Example 2: Count 2 nickels
Step 1: Each nickel is worth 5 cents
Step 2: Count by 5s: 5, 10
Answer: 2 nickels = 10 cents
Example 3: Count 1 dime and 2 pennies
Step 1: Start with the dime: 10 cents
Step 2: Add the pennies: 10, 11, 12
Answer: 1 dime + 2 pennies = 12 cents
Example 4: Count 1 quarter and 1 nickel
Step 1: Start with the quarter: 25 cents
Step 2: Add the nickel: 25 + 5 = 30
Answer: 1 quarter + 1 nickel = 30 cents
Example 5: Count 2 dimes and 1 nickel
Step 1: Count the dimes by 10s: 10, 20
Step 2: Add the nickel: 20 + 5 = 25
Answer: 2 dimes + 1 nickel = 25 cents
Practice Problems
Count these coins and find the total!
1. 5 pennies = ? cents
Show Answer
5 pennies = 5 cents (count by 1s: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
2. 3 nickels = ? cents
Show Answer
3 nickels = 15 cents (count by 5s: 5, 10, 15)
3. 2 dimes = ? cents
Show Answer
2 dimes = 20 cents (count by 10s: 10, 20)
4. 1 quarter = ? cents
Show Answer
1 quarter = 25 cents
5. 1 dime + 3 pennies = ? cents
Show Answer
1 dime + 3 pennies = 13 cents (10 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 13)
6. 2 nickels + 2 pennies = ? cents
Show Answer
2 nickels + 2 pennies = 12 cents (5 + 5 + 1 + 1 = 12)
7. 1 quarter + 1 penny = ? cents
Show Answer
1 quarter + 1 penny = 26 cents (25 + 1 = 26)
8. 3 dimes = ? cents
Show Answer
3 dimes = 30 cents (count by 10s: 10, 20, 30)
9. 1 dime + 1 nickel = ? cents
Show Answer
1 dime + 1 nickel = 15 cents (10 + 5 = 15)
10. 1 quarter + 1 dime = ? cents
Show Answer
1 quarter + 1 dime = 35 cents (25 + 10 = 35)
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions about coins!
1. Which coin is worth the most: penny, nickel, dime, or quarter?
Show Answer
The quarter is worth the most - it is worth 25 cents!
2. How many cents is a nickel worth?
Show Answer
A nickel is worth 5 cents.
3. Which coin is the smallest in size?
Show Answer
The dime is the smallest coin, even though it is worth more than a penny or nickel!
4. If you have 2 dimes and 1 nickel, do you have enough to buy a toy that costs 30 cents?
Show Answer
2 dimes + 1 nickel = 10 + 10 + 5 = 25 cents. No, you need 5 more cents!
Next Steps
- Practice counting coins at home with real money
- Play store with a grown-up and practice paying for things
- Go back to Telling Time if you need more practice
- Awesome job learning about money!