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 type 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? When people travel between countries or buy things from other countries, they need to use the local currency. The value of money changes based on something called an exchange rate.
The exchange rate tells us how much one currency is worth in another currency. For example, if £1 is worth $1.25, then 1 British pound equals 1.25 US dollars. This exchange rate changes every day based on many factors.
Key Concept
Exchange rates change daily. To convert pounds to dollars, we multiply pounds by the current exchange rate.
How to Convert Pounds to Dollars
Converting pounds to dollars is simple once you know the current exchange rate. Here's how it works:
Conversion Formula
To convert any amount in pounds to dollars, multiply the pounds by the current exchange rate.
Example: Convert £10 to dollars
Step 1: Start with pounds → £10
Step 2: Multiply by exchange rate → 10 × 1.25
Step 3: Calculate the result → $12.50
So £10 equals $12.50 when the exchange rate is 1.25.
Currency Converter
Remember
Exchange rates change daily. Always check the current rate before converting real money.
Pounds to Dollars Conversion Charts
Conversion charts help us quickly find equivalent values without calculating each time. Here are useful charts for converting pounds to dollars at different exchange rates:
Pounds to Dollars Conversion Chart (Exchange Rate: 1.25)
| British Pounds (£) | US Dollars ($) |
|---|---|
| £1 | $1.25 |
| £5 | $6.25 |
| £10 | $12.50 |
| £20 | $25.00 |
| £50 | $62.50 |
| £100 | $125.00 |
| £200 | $250.00 |
Common Amounts Conversion Chart
| British Pounds | US Dollars (1.25) | US Dollars (1.30) |
|---|---|---|
| £1 | $1.25 | $1.30 |
| £5 | $6.25 | $6.50 |
| £10 | $12.50 | $13.00 |
| £20 | $25.00 | $26.00 |
| £50 | $62.50 | $65.00 |
| £100 | $125.00 | $130.00 |
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 an exchange rate of 1.25:
Example 1: A book costs £12. How much is that in dollars?
Solution: 12 × 1.25 = $15.00
Example 2: A video game costs £45. What is this price in dollars?
Solution: 45 × 1.25 = $56.25
Example 3: Sarah has £30 to spend in America. How many dollars will she get?
Solution: 30 × 1.25 = $37.50
Example 4: A bicycle costs $150. How much is this in pounds?
Solution: To convert dollars to pounds, divide by the exchange rate: 150 ÷ 1.25 = £120
Practice converting prices you see online or in stores that show both currencies!
Conversion Tip
To convert dollars back to pounds, divide by the exchange rate instead of multiplying.
Conversion Practice Quiz
Test your conversion skills with this 5-question quiz. Choose the correct answer for each question. Use an exchange rate of 1.25 for all questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about pounds and dollars conversion:
Currency Trivia
Discover interesting facts about money and currencies:
Pound Sterling History
The British pound is the world's oldest currency still in use, dating back over 1,200 years. It got its name because it was originally worth one pound of silver!
Dollar Origins
The US dollar was created in 1792 and was based on the Spanish dollar. The dollar sign ($) possibly comes from the Spanish "peso" abbreviation "ps."
Global Currencies
The US dollar is the most commonly converted currency in the world. About 88% of all currency trades involve US dollars!
Highest Exchange Rate
The strongest pound-to-dollar exchange rate in history was $2.65 in 1972. This means £1 could buy $2.65!
