Math Drill Pages

Counting Pennies, Nickels and Dimes Worksheet

Twelve groups of pennies, nickels and dimes to count, with every total under one dollar. In Part A the coins are already in order from the biggest value to the smallest. In Part B they are mixed up, so students sort them first. Each coin is drawn as a circle labeled with its value, and the answer key is on page 2.

Grade
Grade 1–2
Problems
12
Time
About 10 minutes
Standard
2.MD.C.8
Download PDF (US Letter) Download PDF (A4)

Two pages: the worksheet, then the answer key. No sign-up needed.

Worksheet preview

Part A: Count the coins Coins are in order from biggest value to smallest.

  1. 10¢10¢5¢1¢1¢Total: 27¢
  2. 10¢10¢5¢Total: 25¢
  3. 10¢5¢5¢1¢Total: 21¢
  4. 10¢10¢5¢1¢Total: 26¢
  5. 5¢5¢1¢Total: 11¢
  6. 10¢10¢10¢10¢5¢5¢1¢Total: 51¢

Part B: Count the mixed-up coins Sort them in your head: count dimes, then nickels, then pennies.

  1. 5¢10¢5¢Total: 20¢
  2. 10¢1¢1¢Total: 12¢
  3. 10¢10¢5¢5¢10¢10¢Total: 50¢
  4. 10¢5¢1¢1¢5¢5¢1¢Total: 28¢
  5. 10¢5¢10¢5¢5¢10¢5¢Total: 50¢
  6. 1¢10¢5¢5¢5¢5¢Total: 31¢

Tips for teachers and parents

  • Count the biggest coins first: dimes by 10s, then nickels by 5s, then pennies by 1s. For 2 dimes, 1 nickel and 3 pennies say "10, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28."
  • Let students touch or tick each coin as they count it so none are counted twice.
  • Use real coins alongside the sheet. Children learn the coin names and sizes much faster when they can hold them.
  • Skip counting by 5s and 10s is the skill underneath this sheet. If it is shaky, practice it on its own first.

Common mistakes

  • Counting every coin as 1, so 3 dimes becomes 3 cents. Ask "how much is this coin worth?" before counting.
  • Switching from counting by 10s to counting by 1s too early when nickels come next.

What to practice next

When this sheet is easy, add quarters with the counting coins worksheet.

Frequently asked questions

Are the coins real pictures?

No. Each coin is a simple circle labeled 1¢, 5¢ or 10¢, sized a little like the real coin. Pair the sheet with real coins so students also learn what each coin looks like.

How big are the totals?

Every total is under one dollar, and students write the answer in cents, like 37¢.

Is there an answer key?

Yes, page 2 has every total.