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GCSE Maths / Edexcel

Currency conversion

Use exchange rates correctly by deciding whether to multiply or divide, then rounding money sensibly.

Ratio, Proportion and RatesFoundation and HigherGrades 3 to 5Focused skill

Curriculum path: GCSE Maths > Edexcel > Ratio, Proportion and Rates > Currency conversion

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Maths ratio R10 and N13: use proportion and calculator skills in financial contexts.

Practise this topicUpload your answerAsk AI to explain thisTry exam-style questions
Revision notes

Theory, examples, and quick checks.

Keep the method short, then practise straight away. This note is written for GCSE Maths Edexcel students who need clear working and reliable method marks.

Theory

An exchange rate tells you how much of one currency matches one unit of another currency.

If 1 pound = 1.18 euros, multiply pounds by 1.18 to convert pounds to euros.

To convert euros back to pounds using the same rate, divide by 1.18.

Always check the direction of the conversion. This is where most GCSE currency mistakes happen.

Money answers are usually given to 2 decimal places, unless the question asks otherwise.

Key ruleFollow the direction of the rate: from 1 unit multiply out, back to 1 unit divide back.

Worked examples

Pounds to euros

1 pound = 1.20 euros. Convert 50 pounds to euros.

  1. Multiply by 1.20.
  2. 50 x 1.20 = 60.

Answer: 60 euros

Euros to pounds

1 pound = 1.25 euros. Convert 100 euros to pounds.

  1. Euros to pounds means divide by 1.25.
  2. 100 / 1.25 = 80.

Answer: 80 pounds

Round money

1 pound = 1.17 euros. Convert 85 pounds to euros.

  1. 85 x 1.17 = 99.45.
  2. This is already to 2 decimal places.

Answer: 99.45 euros

Common mistakes

  • Multiplying when the question needs division.
  • Dividing when the question needs multiplication.
  • Rounding too early during the calculation.
  • Forgetting to round final money answers to 2 decimal places.

Quick exercise

Try these before moving to the exam-style questions.

  1. 1 pound = 1.10 euros. Convert 30 pounds to euros.
  2. 1 pound = 1.25 dollars. Convert 80 pounds to dollars.
  3. 1 pound = 1.20 euros. Convert 72 euros to pounds.
  4. 1 pound = 1.40 dollars. Convert 98 dollars to pounds.
  5. 1 pound = 1.18 euros. Convert 50 pounds to euros.
Exam-style questions

Practise the same skill at three levels.

These are original GCSE-style questions with mark schemes, common wrong answers, and AI marking guidance so feedback stays close to exam expectations.

Basic GCSE styleFoundationCalculator2 marks

The exchange rate is 1 pound = 1.15 euros. Convert 200 pounds to euros.

currency conversionexchange ratefoundation proportion
Standard exam styleFoundation and HigherCalculator3 marks

The exchange rate is 1 pound = 1.25 dollars. Convert 312.50 dollars to pounds.

currency conversionreverse conversioncalculator
ChallengeFoundation and HigherCalculator4 marks

Mia changes 450 pounds into euros. The exchange rate is 1 pound = 1.18 euros. She spends 390 euros. How many euros does she have left?

currency conversionmulti-step moneyproportion