Currency converter

How this converter gets a live rate on a static site

This site has no backend server, so instead of a server-side cache it fetches rates directly from a free, no-key exchange rate API in your browser and stores the result in your browser's local storage for up to 24 hours, so repeat visits and conversions don't re-fetch every time. When the cached rate is more than 24 hours old, the page fetches a fresh one automatically.

If the live feed can't be reached, the calculator falls back to the most recent successful fetch it has cached and says so clearly above the result. If there is no cached rate at all — for example, on a brand-new visit with no network access to the rate feed — the calculator disables itself and tells you rather than showing a number it can't stand behind.

The rate shown is still a mid-market rate, not the rate you'll actually get from a bank or transfer service — see the section below on the difference.

How currency conversion math works

Currency conversion between two non-dollar currencies is usually done in two steps, using the US dollar as a common base. First, the amount is converted from the starting currency into US dollars by dividing by that currency's reference rate to the dollar. Second, that dollar amount is converted into the target currency by multiplying by the target currency's reference rate to the dollar.

For example, converting 100 EUR to PKR with a reference rate of 0.92 EUR per dollar and 278.50 PKR per dollar works like this: 100 divided by 0.92 gives about 108.70 US dollars, and 108.70 multiplied by 278.50 gives approximately 30,272 PKR. This two-step approach is why every rate in the table is listed relative to a single base currency instead of listing every possible currency pair directly.

This same two-step method also explains why converting an amount and then converting it straight back should land close to the original number: dividing by a rate and then multiplying by that same rate cancels out, aside from small rounding differences in the displayed result.

How currency conversion math works

Currency conversion between two non-dollar currencies is done in two steps, using the US dollar as the common base the live feed publishes rates against. First, the amount is converted from the starting currency into US dollars by dividing by that currency's rate to the dollar. Second, that dollar amount is converted into the target currency by multiplying by the target currency's rate to the dollar.

For example, converting 100 EUR to PKR when the live feed reports roughly 0.92 EUR per dollar and 278.50 PKR per dollar works like this: 100 divided by 0.92 gives about 108.70 US dollars, and 108.70 multiplied by 278.50 gives approximately 30,272 PKR. This two-step approach is why every rate is tracked relative to a single base currency instead of storing every possible currency pair directly, and it's also why converting an amount and then converting it straight back lands close to the original number.

Live mid-market rate vs what you actually get

The rate shown here is a mid-market rate — the real, current midpoint between buy and sell prices in the wholesale currency market, refreshed at least daily. It's the same type of number you'd see quoted in the news or on Google, and it's useful for budgeting a trip, comparing prices across countries, or getting an accurate read on a large purchase.

It is not the rate you'll actually receive from a bank, card provider, or money transfer service, all of which add a margin on top of the mid-market rate plus, often, a flat fee. For an actual transaction, check the specific rate your bank or transfer service quotes at the time you send or exchange money — it will typically be worse than the mid-market figure shown here.

Because the rate here refreshes at least every 24 hours rather than continuously, it can still drift slightly from the exact rate available at the precise moment of a fast-moving trade — for anything time-sensitive or high-value, confirm with a live trading platform.

Frequently asked questions

Are these rates live?

Yes. The rate is fetched from a live exchange rate feed and cached in your browser for up to 24 hours, so it is refreshed at least once a day. If the live feed can't be reached and there's no usable cached rate, the calculator disables itself and says so rather than showing a guessed number.

How is the conversion calculated?

The calculator converts your amount into US dollars using the from-currency's live rate, then converts that dollar amount into the target currency using the to-currency's live rate.

How often does the rate update?

At least every 24 hours. The page checks your browser's cached rate first; if it's older than 24 hours, it fetches a fresh one automatically before you convert.

What happens if the live rate feed is down?

The calculator falls back to the most recent successfully fetched rate and clearly labels it as potentially stale. If there's no cached rate at all, it disables the Convert button and tells you the live feed is unavailable, rather than showing a number that might be wrong.

Which currencies are supported?

This calculator supports USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD, JPY, INR and PKR, all fetched relative to the US dollar.

Is the rate shown what I'll actually get from my bank?

No. It's the mid-market rate — banks, card providers and transfer services add their own margin and fees on top, so the rate you actually receive will be somewhat worse than the figure shown here.

What this calculator does not include

• Transfer fees and spreads — banks and money transfer services add a margin on top of the mid-market rate shown here, plus flat fees. The rate you actually receive is always somewhat worse.
• Currencies outside the supported list — only USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD, JPY, INR and PKR are covered.