Size 16 (60mm x 1.5mm) suits smaller note bundles, while size 19 (90mm x 2.0mm) suits full bundles. There's no official Australian standard for banding money, so neither size should be treated as "the" standard — the right one depends on how many notes you're holding together.
- Size 16 (60mm x 1.5mm) suits smaller note bundles; size 19 (90mm x 2.0mm) suits full bundles.
- No official Australian standard exists for banding money — pick the size that fits your actual stack.
- Rubber bands don't contain loose coins; use a proper coin bag instead.
Choosing between size 16 and size 19
| Bundle | Band to try | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A small stack of notes | Bounce Rubber Bands Size 16 | Shorter, thinner band grips a slim stack without excess slack |
| A full stack of notes | Bounce Rubber Bands Size 19 | Longer, thicker band stretches around a thicker bundle without curling the notes |
Test-fit whichever size matches your bundle before relying on it: place the band around the actual notes, lift the bundle, and check that it holds without curling the edges or slipping off. If it doesn't hold cleanly, try the other size or adjust the bundle.
Why there's no fixed answer
A rubber band's fit changes with the thickness of the stack, how flat the notes sit, and how the bundle gets handled afterwards. None of that is standardised for Australian currency — most businesses use whatever band holds their particular bundle securely. Treat size 16 and size 19 as starting points, not fixed rules.
- Stack thickness — more notes need more stretch. Match the band to the bundle you actually have, not an assumed count.
- Note condition — worn or folded notes can bunch under a tight band. Straighten the stack first.
- Handling — a bundle that gets passed between people or moved often needs a band that won't slip in transit.
Keep a written count with every bundle
A band holds notes together; it doesn't confirm what's inside. Count the notes before bundling, write the total down, and update that record whenever the bundle changes. Don't rely on a band's apparent thickness to tell you the value later — open it and recount.
What about coins?
A rubber band can't contain loose coins. For coins, use a proper container instead: a Cumberland Press Seal Coin Bag seals shut and keeps counted coins together. Count the coins first, then seal and label the bag to match your cash-handling process.
If you're sorting both notes and coins, handle them separately — count and record one group before starting the other, so a tidy banded stack of notes isn't mistaken for the full count of cash on the desk.
FAQ
What size rubber bands should I use for money in Australia?
Size 16 (60mm x 1.5mm) suits smaller note bundles and size 19 (90mm x 2.0mm) suits full bundles. There's no official Australian standard, so test-fit against your actual stack before relying on either size.
Is there an official standard size for banding Australian banknotes?
No. Most businesses use whichever band size holds their bundle securely. Size 16 and size 19 are common starting points, not fixed rules.
Can I use a rubber band for loose coins?
No. A rubber band doesn't contain loose coins. Use a sealed coin bag and keep a separate written count.
How do I know if a rubber band is the wrong size for my bundle?
If it curls or bunches the notes, it's too tight; if it slips off when you lift the bundle, it's too loose. Try the other size or adjust the bundle.
One last thing
A banded stack looks finished even when its count is out of date. If you take notes from it, recount before putting it away. Mega Office Supplies stocks both size 16 and size 19 rubber bands, but the useful decision is the fit you verify yourself and the record you keep beside the bundle.
