Pounds to Dollars (GBP to USD) - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Learn to convert between British pounds and US dollars with easy explanations and practice activities
What is Currency Conversion?
Currency conversion means changing money from one country's currency to another. In this lesson, we're learning how to convert between British pounds (£) (used in the UK) and US dollars ($) (used in the United States).
Why do we need to convert? Different countries use different types of money. When people travel between countries or buy things from other countries, they need to convert their money to the local currency. This requires knowing the exchange rate.
The exchange rate tells us how much one currency is worth in another currency. For example, if 1 British pound equals 1.25 US dollars, then £1 = $1.25. Exchange rates change daily based on many factors.
Key Concept
The exchange rate is the value of one currency expressed in terms of another currency.
How to Convert Pounds to Dollars
Converting pounds to dollars is simple once you know the exchange rate. Let's assume today's exchange rate is 1.25 (meaning £1 = $1.25).
Conversion Formula
To convert any amount of pounds to dollars, multiply the number of pounds by the current exchange rate.
Example: Convert £10 to dollars
Step 1: Start with the amount in pounds → £10
Step 2: Multiply by the exchange rate → 10 × 1.25
Step 3: Calculate the result → $12.50
So £10 equals $12.50 when the exchange rate is 1.25.
Remember
Exchange rates change daily, so you need to check the current rate before converting.
Pounds to Dollars Conversion Charts
Conversion charts help us quickly find equivalent amounts without calculating each time. Here are two useful charts for converting pounds to dollars at an exchange rate of 1.25:
Common Pounds to Dollars Conversion
| British Pounds (£) | US Dollars ($) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.25 |
| 5 | 6.25 |
| 10 | 12.50 |
| 20 | 25.00 |
| 50 | 62.50 |
| 100 | 125.00 |
| 200 | 250.00 |
Travel Money Conversion Chart
| Pounds (£) | Dollars ($) | Common Items |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.25 | Small snack |
| 5 | 6.25 | Children's book |
| 10 | 12.50 | Movie ticket |
| 20 | 25.00 | Video game |
| 50 | 62.50 | Shoes |
| 100 | 125.00 | Bicycle |
Chart Tip
Notice how each additional pound adds $1.25? You can use this pattern to estimate conversions!
Real-World Examples
Let's practice conversion with some real-world examples (using exchange rate of 1.25):
Example 1: Sarah is visiting the US from the UK. She has £50. How many dollars will she get?
Solution: 50 × 1.25 = $62.50
Example 2: A video game costs $60 in the US. How much is this in pounds?
Solution: To convert dollars to pounds, divide by the exchange rate: 60 ÷ 1.25 = £48
Example 3: Michael sees a toy priced at £15 in the UK. His cousin in the US wants to know how much this is in dollars.
Solution: 15 × 1.25 = $18.75
Example 4: A family is going on vacation from the UK to the US. They budget £1000 for spending money. How many dollars will they have?
Solution: 1000 × 1.25 = $1250
Practice converting prices you see online or when you travel!
Conversion Tip
To convert dollars back to pounds, divide by the exchange rate instead of multiplying.
Conversion Practice Quiz
Test your conversion skills with this 5-question quiz. Choose the correct answer for each question. Use an exchange rate of 1.25 for all questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about pounds to dollars conversion:
Currency Trivia
Discover interesting facts about money and currencies:
Origin of the Pound
The British pound is the world's oldest currency still in use, dating back over 1200 years to Anglo-Saxon times. The symbol £ comes from the Latin word "libra," meaning weight or balance.
Dollar Origins
The word "dollar" comes from the German word "Thaler," which was a large silver coin used throughout Europe for almost four hundred years. The $ symbol may have developed from the Spanish "Peso" abbreviation.
Global Currencies
The US dollar is the most widely used currency for international trade. About 88% of all foreign exchange transactions involve the US dollar. The British pound is the fourth most traded currency in the world.
Coin Materials
US coins are made from various metals: pennies are copper-plated zinc, nickels are a copper-nickel alloy, dimes and quarters are "clad" coins with copper core and nickel coating. British coins have different metals too, including nickel-brass and copper-plated steel.
