Set how many points employees need to redeem rewards, choose the right value for your recognition program, and configure consistent reward values across currencies and countries.
On this page
- How points-to-currency ratios work
- Choosing a ratio
- Setting up a new catalog
- Updating a catalog before launch
- Equitable rewards across countries
- International rewards and currencies
- Frequently asked questions
How points-to-currency ratios work
A Points Ratio is the number of points needed for one unit of the catalog currency. For example, if a USD catalog has a ratio of 10, a $5 reward costs 50 points.
1 point = $1.00
$5 reward = 5 points
10 points = $1.00
$5 reward = 50 points
100 points = $1.00
$5 reward = 500 points
Calculation: Reward price in the catalog currency × Points Ratio = calculated points. Recognize rounds fractional point costs up to the next whole point. For example, 833.32 becomes 834 points.
Choosing a ratio
There is no single points-to-currency ratio that works for every organization. The best choice balances your recognition budget, how frequently employees earn points, and the rewards you want them to reach.
Start with your recognition budget
Consider your annual recognition budget, the number of participating employees, and how frequently points will be awarded. Think about whether managers, peers, and company leaders will have different point allocations.
Work backward from the total reward value your organization can sustainably support.
Decide how quickly employees should earn rewards
Review the lowest-value reward in your catalog and the value of a typical recognition Badge.
Consider whether employees should be able to redeem after their first recognition or accumulate points over several recognitions. Also account for larger awards recognizing significant achievements and milestones.
Keep the value easy to understand
Simple ratios are easier to communicate. For example, at 10 points = $1 USD, 100 points represents $10 in reward value, while 500 points represents $50.
A ratio of 100 points per $1 can provide additional flexibility for smaller point awards, but a higher number of points doesn't make a reward more valuable by itself.
Best Practice: Choose a ratio that employees can easily understand and your organization can afford to maintain. Before launching, test a few typical Badges and rewards to confirm that point awards feel meaningful and employees can reach rewards at a reasonable pace.
For additional guidance on building a sustainable recognition program, see Points Strategy Best Practices for Employee Recognition Programs.
Set the ratio for a new Rewards catalog
- Open Menu.
- Select Company Admin from the drop-down menu.
- Select Rewards from the left navigation.
- Open the Catalogs tab.
- Select Create Catalog.
- Choose the catalog currency. Enter the number of points per 1 unit of currency in the Points Ratio field.
- Review the displayed value of one point and verify a sample reward's point cost.
- Optionally set Roles for Access and enable the catalog when ready.
- Select Save.
Update a Rewards catalog before launch
- Open Menu > Company Admin.
- Select Rewards from the left navigation.
- Open the Catalogs tab.
- Find the catalog and select Settings.
- Confirm the existing catalog currency. Enter the number of points per 1 unit of currency in the Points Ratio field.
- Review the displayed value of one point and verify a sample reward's point cost.
- Optionally set Roles for Access and enable the catalog when ready.
- Select Save.
Creating equitable reward values across countries
For international programs, different currencies generally need different Points Ratios. Using the same numeric ratio everywhere does not necessarily give employees equivalent reward value.
Choose your approach
- Exchange-rate equity: Aim for approximately the same monetary value in a common base currency. This is a practical starting point for consistent global reward budgets.
- Purchasing-power equity: Adjust for local purchasing power so rewards have more comparable real-world usefulness. This is an optional program-design decision, not an automatic currency conversion.
Calculate an international Points Ratio
- Choose a base currency and its ratio, such as 10 points per $1 USD.
- Confirm the currency of each Rewards catalog (for example GBP, EUR, INR or CNY). Use the catalog currency, which may differ from an employee's country.
- Find a current exchange rate and record the source and date. Express it as USD value of 1 unit of local currency.
- Multiply your USD ratio by that exchange rate to determine points per 1 unit of local currency.
- Enter the calculated ratio in that catalog's Points Ratio field. Check a representative reward before enabling the catalog.
Points per local currency unit = USD points per $1 × USD value of 1 local currency unit.
Example: United States, United Kingdom and India
Suppose your USD catalog uses 10 points per $1. Using illustrative exchange rates only:
| Catalog | Illustrative rate | Ratio to enter | Example reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD | $1 = $1 USD | 10 | $25 = 250 points |
| GBP | £1 = $1.25 USD | 12.5 | £20 = 250 points |
| INR | ₹1 = $0.012 USD | 0.12 | ₹2,000 = 240 points |
These figures demonstrate the calculation; do not use the illustrative rates as current exchange rates. You can check rates with XE Currency Converter or another trusted source.
What about purchasing power?
If your organization wants to account for local costs of living, you can apply a separately selected purchasing-power adjustment to the exchange-rate-based ratio. Agree on the adjustment and evaluate the effect on reward budgets before using it. World Bank purchasing-power data can provide context, but purchasing-power parity and market exchange rates measure different things.
International rewards and supported currencies
Recognize supports international Rewards catalogs in many currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, INR and CNY, among others. You can configure a catalog's currency and its own Points Ratio, and use Roles for Access to control which employees can access it.
Important: Currency support and gift card availability are different. Available reward brands, denominations, countries and fulfillment options can vary by provider and catalog. Review the available rewards for each location before launching a global program. If you need to confirm a specific currency or country, contact Recognize Support.
Frequently asked questions
Should every country have the same ratio?
No. Ratios should reflect the currency of each catalog and your organization's chosen equity approach.
Can a Points Ratio be a decimal?
International ratios may require decimals, such as 12.5 points per GBP or 0.12 points per INR. Verify the resulting reward point costs in the catalog.
How are fractional point costs handled?
Recognize rounds the calculated redemption cost up to a whole point. For example, a ₹2,000 reward at a ratio of 0.41666 calculates to 833.32 points and displays as 834 points. This is a rounding example, not a recommended INR ratio.
Can I change a ratio after employees have redeemed rewards?
Changing a ratio after redemptions can affect reporting and reward values. Contact Recognize Support to review the implications before making a change.
How often should we review international ratios?
Consider reviewing them annually and whenever significant exchange-rate movements or changes to your reward program occur.