What is a opening float?

An opening float is the fixed amount of cash placed in the till at the start of a shift so staff can give change — recorded at open so it can be subtracted when the shift is reconciled at close.

An opening float is the set amount of cash put in the till at the start of a shift so staff can make change for customers. It isn't revenue — it's working cash that belongs in the drawer, so it must be recorded separately at the start of the shift.

At the end of the shift, the same amount is set aside as the closing float for the next shift, and the rest is the day's takings. Recording the float at open and close is what makes reconciliation honest: without it, the float gets mixed up with revenue and the numbers never quite add up.

Getting the float right is one of the simplest, most overlooked habits that separates a lounge that knows its numbers from one that's guessing.