US coins have different values. A penny is 1 cent, a nickel is 5 cents, a dime is 10 cents and a quarter is 25 cents. We write cents with the sign ¢.
To count a group of coins, start with the coins worth the most. Count on in 25s, then 10s, then 5s, then 1s. Two quarters and one dime: 25, 50, 60. So that is 60¢.
Worked example
You have 1 quarter, 2 dimes and 3 pennies. How many cents is that?
- Start with the quarter: 25.
- Count on the dimes: 35, 45. Count on the pennies: 46, 47, 48.
Answer:48¢
Key words
- cent (¢)
- a small unit of money; 100 cents make a dollar
- dime
- a coin worth 10 cents
- quarter
- a coin worth 25 cents
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: 2.MD.C.8