About the pound sterling and the US dollar
The pound sterling (GBP) is the currency of the United Kingdom. The US dollar (USD) is the currency of United States. The GBP/USD rate tells you how many US dollar units one pound sterling buys; the reverse rate is simply its reciprocal.
How currency conversion works here
Unlike physical units, exchange rates change every day, so they cannot be built into the page. When you open this converter your browser requests the latest reference rates from the API, then multiplies your amount by the rate. The publication date of the rate is always shown; if the request fails, the converter says so rather than showing an old figure.
Reference rates are mid-market figures. Expect the rate offered by banks, card issuers or airport kiosks to be less favourable, often by 1–5% or more.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the exchange rates come from?
Rates are the European Central Bank reference rates via the Frankfurter API. The ECB publishes one reference rate per currency on each working day, around 16:00 Central European Time. The publication date is shown next to every result.
Are these live trading rates?
No. Reference rates are published once per working day and are intended for information. Banks, card networks and exchange services apply their own rates and fees, so the amount you actually receive will differ.
Why can’t I see a rate on weekends?
The ECB does not publish on weekends or TARGET holidays; the converter shows the most recent working day’s rate and its date.