How do I calculate FX cross-rates?

To calculate the cross-exchange rate, you need the prices of both currencies involved when paired with the USD. It’s quite easy when the USD is the base currency (numerator or first CCY) in one pairing and the quote currency (denominator or second CCY) in the other pairing. You just have to multiply the two bid prices with calculator to get the cross rate.

For example: In the case of the GBP/CHF. The prices are as follows: GBP/USD=1.5700, USD/CHF=0.9300. Thus, the cross rate (GBP/CHF) will be 1.5700*0.9300=1.4601.  If both CCYs have the USD as the base CCY, e.g. USD/JPY and USD/CAD, simply take the reciprocal on one CCY and multiply it by the other CCY.

Example: USD/ JPY 105.76 and USD CAD 1.3376, then the JPY/CAD cross rate can be calculated as (1/105.76) x 1.3376 or .01264 CAD.