How Much Prop Money Do I Need? A Scene-by-Scene Guide

Start from screen value, not dollars spent

Prop money is sold in stacks of 100 notes. A stack of $100-style notes reads as $10,000 on camera; a stack of $50-style notes reads as $5,000. Work out the value the scene needs to imply, then divide by the note style you are using to get a stack count.

Common scenes and what they take

• Wallet, till or hand-to-hand exchange: a few loose notes, mixed denominations, ideally aged
• Table spread or cash count: 3 to 6 banded stacks
• Briefcase reveal: 8 to 12 stacks, or a pre-dressed briefcase set
• Duffel bag of cash: 40 to 60 stacks for a convincing fill
• Make-it-rain or money gun: several hundred single-sided bills per take

Always over-order the hero denomination

Experienced art departments buy more hundreds than they think they need and fewer twenties. Hundreds create impact in reveal shots; twenties only matter for realism in close handling. If budget forces a call, prioritise the notes that appear in your most important frame — see our $100 note guide.

Padding and reuse

Order 10 to 20 percent over your calculated need to cover damaged notes, retakes and the odd note that walks off set. Undamaged stacks store flat and are reusable across shoots, so the surplus is rarely wasted.

Not sure? Ask before you order

Send your scene list through the contact page or message us on WhatsApp and we will suggest a stack count. Browse the full range or the $100K money stack bundle for volume scenes.

Quick answers

How much screen money is in one stack?

A stack of 100 notes in $100 style represents $10,000. Ten stacks — our $100K bundle — fills a briefcase or a table spread.

How many stacks fill a duffel bag?

Around 40 to 60 stacks reads as a convincingly full duffel bag on camera, depending on bag size and how tightly it is packed.