How this calculator works
The standard coin list uses a decimal system anchored on the gold piece: ten copper make a silver, ten silver make a gold, and ten gold make a platinum. Electrum is the odd one out: two electrum make a gold, so one electrum is five silver. Converting every coin to gold and adding gives a single total. Dividing that total by a coin's gold value gives the equivalent in that denomination, which is why ten gold pieces become one hundred silver or one thousand copper. Splitting divides the gold total by the number of players and then shows the share in each coin.
Formula
total gold = copper x 0.01 + silver x 0.1 + electrum x 0.5 + gold x 1 + platinum x 10. Equivalent coins of a denomination = total gold / that coin's value in gold. Share per player = total gold / number of players.
Worked example
Three gold, seven silver and five copper are worth 3 + 0.7 + 0.05 = 3.75 gold pieces. That is 37.5 silver, 375 copper or 0.375 platinum. One platinum piece exchanges for 10 gold, 20 electrum, 100 silver or 1,000 copper. A purse of 10 gold split between four players gives 2.5 gold each, or 25 silver each.
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Frequently asked questions
Are these the original D&D exchange rates?
They are the standard rates used in the fifth edition player's handbook and in most older editions: 10 copper to a silver, 10 silver to a gold, 2 electrum to a gold and 10 gold to a platinum. Some settings use different local rates, and a few older rules used 20 silver to a gold, so check the table you are playing with.
Why is electrum worth five silver?
Electrum is a natural gold and silver alloy, historically worth about half a gold piece. The game rounds it to a simple two-to-one relationship with gold, which makes 1 ep equal to 5 sp and 50 cp.
Can I convert coins into items or gemstones?
No. This page only converts between the five coin types. Trade goods, gems and art objects have their own listed values in the rules, and those values are set by the dungeon master rather than by a fixed exchange rate.
How does splitting deal with leftover coins?
The share is shown as an exact decimal, including fractions of a coin. At the table you would round to whole coins and let one player take the remainder, or convert the remainder down to a smaller denomination. The calculator shows the exact value so you can decide.