How To Convert Currency Calculator
A currency conversion is a single multiplication once you know the rate, but finding the right rate is the hard part. The rate depends on direction, on the day, and on whether you are looking at the mid-market figure or the one your bank actually gives you.
Converted amount
892.438
- Rate used
- 0.892438
- Inverse rate
- 1.12052602
- Value in USD
- 1,000
Values update as you type. This calculator covers the single scenario its formula assumes — see Common Mistakes for what it leaves out.
The formula this calculator uses
Amount in target = amount x (rate of target per USD / rate of source per USD)
- Amount
- The amount in the source currency
- Source rate
- Units of the source currency per US dollar
- Target rate
- Units of the target currency per US dollar
How to check the result by hand
- 1
Find the rate for the direction you need
Rates are directional. If you are buying euros with dollars you need euros per dollar, not dollars per euro.
- 2
Multiply the amount by the rate
One thousand dollars at 0.892438 euros per dollar is 892.44 euros. That is the whole calculation when the rate is already in the right direction.
- 3
Take the reciprocal if the direction is wrong
If you only have dollars per euro, divide by it instead of multiplying, or take the reciprocal first and then multiply.
- 4
Adjust for the spread you will actually pay
Subtract the bank or card spread from the mid-market rate before converting. A three percent spread on the mid-market rate is a good default for cards.
- 5
Add any flat fees
Transfer fees and fixed charges are separate from the rate. Add them to the converted total to get the real landed cost.
For worked examples, common mistakes and the limits of this formula, read the full How To Convert Currency page.