The honest answer depends entirely on the scene, but most short films fall into one of three patterns: a hand-to-hand exchange (one stack), a briefcase or bag reveal (one pre-packed briefcase set), or a scattered pile or throw shot (a bulk pack).
A hand-to-hand exchange — paying for something, a bribe, a tip — rarely needs more than a single stack, since the camera is usually close enough that volume matters less than the notes looking clean and correctly sized.
A reveal shot (opening a briefcase, a bag, a drawer) benefits from a pre-packed set built for exactly that moment, since it's pre-arranged to look right the instant the lid opens rather than needing to be styled on set.
Scattered or thrown money is the one scenario that genuinely eats volume fast — budget for a bulk pack here, plus a bit extra, since notes on the floor pick up wear between takes.
Frequently asked
What's the minimum realistic order for a short film?
A single stack covers most hand-to-hand or close-up scenes — that's the minimum most productions actually need.
Is a briefcase set worth it for a single reveal shot?
Yes — a pre-packed briefcase set is styled to look right the moment it opens, saving setup time compared to arranging loose stacks on set.