Pence vs. Cent — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
Pence is a plural form of penny, used in British currency, while cent refers to a monetary unit in the U.S. and other countries.
Difference Between Pence and Cent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pence is derived from the Old English word "pening" and is used as the plural of penny in the UK. Cent comes from the Latin word "centum," meaning hundred, and is used in the US and other countries.
Pence is a unit of currency in the UK, equaling 1/100th of a pound. Cent is a unit of currency in the US, also equaling 1/100th of a dollar.
Pence coins have designs specific to the UK, often featuring British symbols. Cent coins, like the US penny, often depict national figures like Abraham Lincoln.
In the UK, prices are often given in pounds and pence. In the US, prices are given in dollars and cents.
Pence is specifically associated with British currency. Cent, however, is used in various countries, each with its own version.
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Comparison Chart
Country
United Kingdom
United States and other countries
Value
1/100th of a Pound
1/100th of a Dollar
Origin
Old English "pening"
Latin "centum" (hundred)
Symbol
"p"
"¢"
Physical Form
Distinct designs, often British symbols
Varies, often with national figures
Compare with Definitions
Pence
Small change in UK transactions.
The candy costs 30 pence.
Cent
Small denomination in US financial transactions.
The book is priced at 99 cents.
Pence
Sometimes used figuratively to represent minimal amounts.
His advice wasn't worth a pence.
Cent
Coins used in American currency.
She gave me three cents change.
Pence
Unit of account in historical British monetary systems.
The price was listed as 5 pounds and 20 pence.
Cent
Used in other countries with variations in value.
In Europe, a cent is part of the Euro system.
Pence
Coins used in British currency.
He paid with a handful of pence.
Cent
Figuratively represents trivial amounts.
His opinion isn't worth a cent.
Pence
A monetary unit in the UK, plural of penny.
I found 50 pence under the sofa.
Cent
A unit of currency equal to 1/100 of various currencies, including the US dollar and the euro.
Pence
A plural of penny1.
Cent
(money) A subunit of currency equal to one-hundredth of the main unit of currency in many countries. Symbol: ¢.
Pence
Plural of penny(the subunit of the pound sterling or Irish pound).
Cent
(informal) A small sum of money.
He blew every last cent.
Cent
(money) A subunit of currency equal to one-hundredth of the euro.
Cent
(money) A coin having face value of one cent (in either of the above senses).
Cent
(music) A hundredth of a semitone or half step.
Cent
(nuclear physics) A unit of reactivity equal to one hundredth of a dollar.
Cent
Abbreviation of century
Cent
Abbreviation of centumOne hundred.
Cent
Abbreviation of centigrade
Cent
Abbreviation of center
Cent
A hundred; as, ten per cent, the proportion of ten parts in a hundred.
Cent
A United States coin, the hundredth part of a dollar, formerly made of copper, now of copper, tin, and zinc.
Cent
An old game at cards, supposed to be like piquet; - so called because 100 points won the game.
Cent
A fractional monetary unit of several countries
Cent
A coin worth one-hundredth of the value of the basic unit
Cent
A monetary unit in the US, 1/100th of a dollar.
That gum costs 25 cents.
Common Curiosities
Can you use pence in the US?
No, pence is specific to the UK.
What is a penny?
A penny is a single unit of currency in the UK and the US, pluralized as pence in the UK.
Why are UK coins called pence?
It's the plural form of penny, derived from the Old English word "pening."
What's the smallest denomination in UK currency?
One penny, or in plural, pence.
Are pence and cent the same value?
No, they represent 1/100th of their respective currencies but differ in value due to currency exchange rates.
Are pence and cents only used in physical coins?
No, they're also used in accounting and pricing, not just physical coins.
Do pence and cents have different designs?
Yes, their designs reflect their respective countries' symbols and figures.
Are there countries other than the US that use cents?
Yes, many countries have a cent as a monetary unit, like the Eurocent in Europe.
Can you interchange pence and cents in writing?
No, they are specific to their respective currencies and countries.
Why does cent have a "¢" symbol?
It's an abbreviation for the word cent, originating from the Latin "centum."
Is pence used in historical contexts?
Yes, it has historical usage in British monetary systems.
Are there collector versions of pence and cents?
Yes, there are collectible versions of both with special designs or historical value.
Can you use pence in expressions like "my two cents"?
No, the expression "my two cents" is specific to the cent and means to give an opinion.
What does "penny-pinching" mean?
It's an idiom meaning to be very frugal, not specifically tied to pence or cents.
Do the values of pence and cents fluctuate?
Their relative value can fluctuate due to exchange rates, but they remain 1/100th of their respective currencies.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
