Convert between world currencies instantly with real-time exchange rates. This calculator helps you understand the value of money across countries—essential for travel, business, and international transactions.
How This Calculator Works
This calculator provides straightforward currency conversion:
- Amount: The quantity you want to convert
- From Currency: Your source currency (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)
- To Currency: Your target currency
- Exchange Rate: Current mid-market rate
- Converted Amount: Result in target currency
The Formula Explained
Converted Amount = Source Amount × Exchange Rate
Example: $100 USD to EUR at 0.92 rate = 100 × 0.92 = €92
For the inverse: Inverse Rate = 1 / Exchange Rate €100 to USD at 0.92 rate = 100 × (1/0.92) = $108.70
Step-by-Step Example
Multi-Currency Conversion
Converting $5,000 USD:
| Target Currency | Rate | Converted |
| Euro (EUR) | 0.92 | €4,600 |
| British Pound (GBP) | 0.79 | £3,950 |
| Japanese Yen (JPY) | 149.5 | ¥747,500 |
| Canadian Dollar (CAD) | 1.36 | $6,800 CAD |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an exchange rate?
An exchange rate is the price of one currency in terms of another. When EUR/USD = 1.08, one Euro costs $1.08. Rates fluctuate constantly based on supply and demand in the forex market—the world's largest financial market with $7+ trillion traded daily.
What is the mid-market rate?
The mid-market rate (also called interbank rate) is the true exchange rate—the midpoint between buy and sell prices on global currency markets. It's what banks use when trading with each other. Consumer exchange services rarely offer this rate; they add a markup for profit.
Why do I get a different rate than I see online?
Online rates typically show the mid-market rate. Banks, credit cards, and exchange bureaus add their markup—typically 1-6% worse than mid-market. The difference is their profit. Compare what you receive to the mid-market rate to see the true cost of any exchange.
What affects exchange rates?
Key factors: (1) Interest rates—higher rates attract investment, strengthening currency, (2) Inflation—high inflation weakens currency, (3) Economic strength—strong growth supports currency, (4) Political stability, (5) Trade balances, (6) Central bank policies and interventions.
When is the best time to exchange currency?
Currency markets are highly efficient—timing the market is extremely difficult. For small amounts: exchange when you need to. For larger amounts: consider dollar-cost averaging (exchanging portions over time). Setting rate alerts helps you act when rates reach favorable levels.
Should I exchange before or during travel?
Generally, avoid airport exchanges (worst rates). Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card for purchases abroad. For cash, either: (1) Exchange a small amount beforehand from a competitive online service, or (2) Withdraw from ATMs abroad using a no-fee debit card.
What's the difference between buying and selling rates?
The buy rate is what they'll pay for your foreign currency. The sell rate is what they'll charge to sell you foreign currency. The gap (spread) is their profit. "We buy at 0.88, we sell at 0.94" means a 6.8% spread. Narrow spreads are better for you.
How accurate are online currency converters?
Most converters show mid-market rates updated frequently (every few minutes to seconds). These are accurate for benchmarking. However, the actual rate you'll receive depends on your exchange method. Use the converter result as a reference, not a guarantee of what you'll receive.
Key Points to Remember
- Mid-market is the benchmark: Compare any offered rate to the mid-market
- Cards often beat cash exchanges: No-fee credit cards typically have better rates
- Avoid airports: Worst exchange rates are at airports and hotels
- Rates change constantly: What you see now may differ tomorrow
- Compare the total cost: Rate plus any fees determine true cost