Currency converter: how to calculate exchange rates
Currency conversion means multiplying an amount by an exchange rate — the price of one currency in another. Rates move constantly on the market, so the answer you get depends on when you convert and which rate you use.
How are exchange rates read?
A quote like 1 USD = 27.5 TRY tells you how much one dollar costs in liras. To convert in that direction you multiply, and the tool does it automatically whichever way you enter the pair. Knowing the direction prevents the most common mistake: multiplying when you should divide.
Live rates vs fixed rates
Live rates come from banks or APIs and change by the second; fixed rates suit budgets, quotes and offline planning. Mid-market rates sit between the buy and sell price of a bank and are the fairest comparison point.
- Live rates — current, but they change as you watch.
- Fixed rates — predictable for plans and documents.
- Mid-market — the reference point between a bank's buy and sell prices.
Convert in your browser without guesswork
FreetoolsY Currency Converter multiplies your amount by the selected rate, switches the base and target currency freely, and lets you override the rate when you have a bank or invoice figure. Prices shown by banks include a margin, so compare the mid-market rate to understand what you really pay.