Calculate the cash float and reconcile the day’s cash

The cash float is the notes and coins in the drawer before sales begin. It should cover change requirements but does not need to equal the day’s turnover. Both the amount and its denominations matter.

Start with cash transactions

Review comparable shifts: how many guests pay cash, which notes do they use and when do smaller denominations run out? Use this to choose the opening amount and plan replenishment. Total guest numbers are less useful when most people pay digitally.

For multiple drawers, track amounts and movements separately. Assign responsibility and count at handover. Avoid undocumented transfers between drawers.

Example of a SEK 2,000 float

This is an illustration, not a recommendation for every restaurant:

Sweden’s valid coin denominations are SEK 1, 2, 5 and 10. SEK 20 and 50 are note denominations, and the 50-öre coin is no longer valid for payment. See the Riksbank’s valid coins and valid notes.

Register the float before selling

Count and register the opening float before the day’s sales begin, as stated in Skatteverket’s cash register instructions. Follow the system’s procedures for cash additions, withdrawals and refunds.

Calculate the expected closing balance

Opening float + cash sales − cash refunds + other cash additions − withdrawals = expected cash.

Use cash sales after change given and account for recorded rounding. If the sales report is already net of returns, do not subtract refunds again. Card and Swish payments are not physical cash.

Hypothetical example: a SEK 2,000 float, SEK 3,500 in cash sales, SEK 200 in cash refunds and a documented SEK 1,000 withdrawal give an expected balance of SEK 4,300. If the drawer contains SEK 4,280, the shortage is SEK 20.

Recount, check records and document the difference. There is no general percentage that makes unexplained differences acceptable. Do not change recorded sales merely to make the figures match.

Once the day is reconciled, set aside the next opening float under the business’s security procedure. Book a demo to review cash handling and reports in Vendion.