Change from $1 for a 67¢ item
67¢ → 70¢ (+3¢) → 100¢ (+30¢)
Answer: 33¢ change 3 + 30 = 33 cents; 67¢ + 33¢ = 100¢.
Money and Coins · Grades 2–4
How to Count Money and Make Change
Money problems combine coin values with addition and subtraction. Counting up from the cost is often a clear way to find change.
What children need to know first
- One dollar equals 100 cents.
- Change is the amount returned after paying more than the price.
Step-by-step explanation
- Write the cost and the amount paid in dollars and cents.
- Start at the price and count up to the amount paid using convenient coin values.
- Add the jumps to find the change.
- Check that price plus change equals the amount paid.
Worked examples
Two items cost 45¢ and 30¢
45¢ + 30¢ = 75¢. A dollar is 100¢, so 100¢ − 75¢ = 25¢.
Answer: 75¢ total; 25¢ change from $1 The cost and change together equal 100 cents.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Treating cents and dollars as unrelated units. Rename one dollar as 100 cents when needed.
- Giving change that does not add back to the payment. Check cost + change = payment.
Parent teaching tips
- Set up a small pretend shop with price tags and coins.
- Let your child choose whether counting up or subtracting is easier, then verify the result.
Independent practice
- Find the change from $1 for a 42¢ item.
- A toy costs $1.25; you pay $2.00. What is the change?
Practice answers
- 58¢
- $0.75
Explore related skills
Practice this skill
Open the matching Grades 2–4 activity for Money. You can print its worksheet with questions only or an answer key.