Common amounts by business
These are starting points that shops often use, not rules. Busy locations leave more.
| Business | Typical float | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee shop | $100 to $200 | Many small sales, lots of $1 and $5 bills |
| Retail store | $100 to $250 | Mixed sales, some large bills |
| Convenience store | $150 to $300 | Many cash sales, lottery and customers who need change |
| Food truck or stand | $100 to $250 | Small space, fast lines |
| Bar | $200 to $500 | Many drinks paid with $20 bills |
| Farmers market stall | $100 to $200 | Busy peaks, small sales |
How to take out the rest
- Count every bill and coin in the drawer.
- Type your float in the Starting float field.
- Read the "Take out for the deposit" list. Remove those bills and coins.
- Check the "Leave in the drawer" list against what is left. It adds up to your float.
- Put the deposit in a bag with the printed count and sign it.
When the drawer has less than the float
On a slow day the drawer may hold less than the float. The calculator then shows a deposit of $0.00 and a note that the drawer is under the float. Do not take cash from the safe to fill the gap unless your manager says so. Tell your manager and write it on the count sheet.
Why not leave more?
Cash in the drawer is cash that can be lost or taken. A float that is bigger than you need adds risk and no benefit. Leave enough for change and no more.
Common questions
How much money should I leave in the till overnight?
Only the float, in small bills and coins. Many shops also lock the drawer or empty it into a safe overnight. Follow your shop rule.
Should the float change from day to day?
Usually no. A fixed float makes it easy to check the drawer. Change it only when your manager says so, for example for a busy season.
Do I leave the tips in the drawer?
No. Tips are not sales and not float. Count them apart and follow your shop rule for tip-out.
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