What is the expected cash drawer variance?

• A. +/- $3.00
• B. +/- $1.00
• C. +/- $5.00
• D. +/- $0.50

Answer: (A)

Cash drawer variance is the difference between what the drawer should contain based on sales and what is actually there after a period. A small, predefined tolerance is used so normal, everyday counting differences don’t trigger unnecessary flags. The best answer reflects a standard that covers typical, unavoidable small discrepancies that happen during busy service—things like rounding when giving change, tiny counting mistakes, refunds, or cash drops. A variance of plus or minus three dollars is wide enough to accommodate these everyday effects, yet small enough to alert staff if a larger discrepancy suggests a problem. Smaller tolerances (like plus or minus one dollar or even tighter) would be too strict for normal variation, and a larger tolerance (like plus or minus five dollars) could mask genuine issues.