Counting Coins: Biggest First, Then Count On (1st–2nd Grade)

What is it?

Counting a handful of mixed coins is easier in order. Your child lines the coins up from the biggest value to the smallest, starts at the first coin, and counts on by each coin's value. Size can trick kids: a dime is smaller than a nickel but worth more. The lesson counts 1 quarter, 2 dimes, 1 nickel and 3 pennies.

Step by step: 1 quarter, 2 dimes, 1 nickel, 3 pennies

1. Line the coins up, starting with the coin worth the most.
2. A quarter is 25 cents. Start at 25.
3. Dimes are 10 cents each. Count on by 10s: 35, 45.
4. A nickel is 5 cents. Count on 5 more: 50.
5. Pennies are 1 cent each. Count on by 1s: 51, 52, 53. The coins make 53 cents.

Common mistakes

• Ordering coins by size instead of value. A dime is small but worth more than a nickel.
• Counting the number of coins (7) instead of their value.
• Counting on by the wrong amount, like adding 5 for a dime. Count on by each coin's value.

Your turn

The lesson ends with a problem to try. Pause and let your child work it out before you check.

How many cents are 1 quarter, 3 dimes, 1 nickel and 2 pennies?

Answer: 62 cents. Biggest first: 25, then 35, 45, 55, then 60, then 61, 62.

Practice at home

Empty a pocket or a coin jar onto the table. Sort the coins, line them up from the biggest value to the smallest, and count on together. Then hand your child a small mix and ask them to say the total before counting it out loud.