British pound to US Dollar
Calculate how many US dollars you receive for a given amount of British pounds. The GBP/USD pair — known in forex trading as "Cable" — is one of the oldest and most liquid currency pairs in the world, reflecting centuries of deep financial ties between London and New York.
Frequently asked questions
The GBP/USD rate varies daily. Historically one pound buys between $1.20 and $1.35, though the rate can move sharply in response to economic data, central bank decisions, and political developments. Check the converter for the current live rate.
The nickname dates to the mid-nineteenth century, when exchange rates between London and New York were transmitted via the first transatlantic telegraph cable, laid in 1858. Forex traders still use "Cable" as shorthand for GBP/USD to this day.
Following the June 2016 referendum, the pound fell sharply against the dollar — from around $1.48 to below $1.30 within hours. The rate has partially recovered in the years since, but uncertainty around UK trade policy and economic divergence from the EU continues to weigh on the pound's value against the dollar.
Timing the currency market is difficult even for professional traders. Practical advice: avoid airport bureaux de change, use a platform such as Wise for competitive rates, or set a rate alert with your bank. The converter shows only the live market rate — it does not provide financial advice.