USD to GBP Converter
Enter US dollars to see the amount in British pounds sterling at the latest daily reference rate. Swap to pounds to dollars, add a card fee, and see the last 30 days of movement.
Last updated:
Type any amount, e.g. 100, 1,250.50 or 2k.
Updates as you type.
Rate and fees
Typical: 0% (no-FX-fee card), about 3% (many cards), more at airport kiosks.
Enter the rate your bank or exchange office quotes to compare.
30-day trend
Quick conversion table
How to use the USD to GBP Converter
- Enter the amount in USD. The GBP value updates instantly as you type.
- Check the rate line: it shows the rate both ways, the date of the reference rate and its source.
- Press the swap button to convert the other way, from GBP back to USD.
- Open Rate and fees to add your bank's or card's markup, or type the exact rate you were quoted to compare.
- Use the table and chart for common amounts and the last 30 days of movement, or press Copy result to paste the conversion anywhere.
From dollars to pounds sterling
The pound is normally quoted first: GBP/USD tells you how many dollars one pound buys. Converting dollars to pounds therefore uses the inverse rate:
pounds = dollars ÷ GBP/USD. With GBP/USD at 1.34, $1,000 ÷ 1.34 = £746.27. The converter does this for you and shows both directions.
The rate comes from the European Central Bank's daily reference rates (the ECB sets a euro rate for both currencies, and the cross rate gives dollars per pound). It is a mid-market benchmark; card networks, banks and bureaux de change will all quote you something slightly worse.
UK money at a glance
The pound (£) is divided into 100 pence (p). These are the coins and Bank of England notes you are likely to handle:
| Type | Denominations | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Coins | 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2 | The 12-sided £1 coin replaced the round one in 2017 |
| Bank of England notes | £5, £10, £20, £50 | All polymer; notes with King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II are both valid |
| Other sterling notes | Issued by banks in Scotland and Northern Ireland | Same value, widely accepted in the UK |
Tips for Americans paying in pounds
- Contactless is everywhere. Cards and phone payments are accepted on most buses, trains and in shops, so you may need little cash.
- Prices already include 20% VAT, unlike US prices, so compare converted UK prices with US prices plus sales tax.
- Tipping is lighter. Many restaurants add a discretionary service charge of about 12.5%; check the bill before adding more.
- Choose pounds at the terminal if asked whether to pay in GBP or USD, to avoid dynamic currency conversion.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert dollars to pounds?
Multiply the dollar amount by the USD to GBP rate, or divide it by the GBP/USD quote. If GBP/USD is 1.34, one dollar is 1 ÷ 1.34 ≈ £0.746, so $200 ≈ £149.25.
Where does this USD to GBP rate come from?
The European Central Bank publishes daily reference rates for the euro against both the dollar and the pound. The Frankfurter API divides the two to give a consistent dollar to pound rate for the same day.
Why is GBP/USD called "cable"?
Traders have called the pound–dollar rate "cable" since the 19th century, when the exchange rate between London and New York was sent over the transatlantic telegraph cable.
Do UK prices include tax?
Yes. UK shop prices include VAT, which is 20% at the standard rate, so the converted price is the price you pay. Many tourists from outside the UK cannot reclaim VAT on shopping, since the UK ended its tourist VAT refund scheme in 2021.
Are Scottish and Northern Irish banknotes the same as English ones?
They are all pounds sterling with the same value. Several banks in Scotland and Northern Ireland issue their own notes, which are widely accepted across the UK, though shops in England occasionally refuse them, so spend them before you leave.
Why does my card statement show a different amount?
Card networks use their own daily rate and your bank may add a foreign transaction fee, often around 3%. Enter that fee under Rate and fees to see a more realistic total.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.