Artist Alley Cash Float Calculator

Your show

Expected total sales for the show ($)

Cash share of sales (%)

The rest is card. First-time tables often see more cash; busy halls lean card.

Average cash purchase ($)

Extra safety buffer on the float ($)

Float you already plan to bring ($, optional)

Result

Print Reset

How to use it

1. Enter the sales you hope to make and roughly what share will be cash.
2. Enter a typical cash ticket (what one cash buyer usually spends).
3. Read the suggested float and bill counts, then count those bills into a zip bag before you leave home.
4. At the end of the show, count the drawer and compare to float + cash sales.

FAQ

How much cash float should I bring to artist alley?

A common starting point is enough small bills to cover about 10–20% of the cash sales you expect, with plenty of ones and fives so you can break a $20. This calculator suggests a float from your expected cash sales and average cash ticket, then splits it into bill counts.

Why do I need ones and fives?

Most buyers pay with a $10 or $20 even for a $5 or $8 print. Without ones and fives you stall the line or lose the cash sale. The suggested mix leans toward small bills.

Does this replace a sales tracker?

No. This only helps you plan the change bank before the show. During and after the show you still want a tally of what sold, cash vs card, and profit. That is what the Artist Alley Inventory and Sales Tracker spreadsheet is for.

Does this save or send my numbers?

Your inputs are saved only in your own browser (localStorage). Nothing is sent to a server and there is no sign-up.

Free help for the rest of the show

• Artist Alley Break-Even Calculator
• Convention Sales Tax Calculator
• Artist Alley Table Split Calculator
• Bundle Deal Calculator
• Convention Packing Checklist