Zakat & Islamic Finance · Guide
How Much Is 10K, 14K, 18K and 22K Gold Worth per Gram?
Gold prices are quoted for pure gold. Multiply by your karat’s purity, and you have the metal value of any piece.
Want the answer for your own numbers? Use the free Gold Karat Calculator — it does every step below for you.
The one rule you need
The gold price you see in the news is for pure (24K) gold. Lower karats are mixed with other metals, so a gram contains less gold. To find the value of a gram of your gold:
Value per gram = today's 24K price per gram × purity
Purity of each karat
| Karat | Gold content | Hallmark | Value vs 24K |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | 999 | 100% |
| 22K | 91.7% | 916 | 91.7% |
| 21K | 87.5% | 875 | 87.5% |
| 18K | 75.0% | 750 | 75% |
| 14K | 58.3% | 585 | 58.3% |
| 10K | 41.7% | 417 | 41.7% |
The hallmark stamped inside rings and on clasps tells you the karat. "585" means 58.5% gold — 14K.
Price per gram at example gold prices
Gold prices change every day, so here are three example prices for pure gold. Find the row nearest today's price, or use your own number in the formula.
| If 24K is… | 22K | 18K | 14K | 10K |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $80 / g | $73.36 | $60.00 | $46.64 | $33.36 |
| $100 / g | $91.70 | $75.00 | $58.30 | $41.70 |
| $130 / g | $119.21 | $97.50 | $75.79 | $54.21 |
Per ounce: don't mix up the ounces
Gold is priced per troy ounce, which is 31.1 grams — heavier than a normal (avoirdupois) ounce of 28.35 g. To convert:
- Price per gram = price per troy ounce ÷ 31.1035
- 14K price per troy ounce = 24K price per troy ounce × 0.583
If gold is $3,110 a troy ounce, that is $100 a gram, and 14K gold is worth about $1,813 per troy ounce of jewellery.
How much is 5 grams of gold worth?
Example: a 5 g 18K chain, with 24K at $100 a gram
Pure gold content: 5 × 0.75 = 3.75 g.
3.75 × $100 = $375.
Melt value: about $375
The same 5 g in 14K would hold 2.92 g of gold, worth about $292. In 22K, 4.59 g, worth about $459.
Price per tola and per pavan
In South Asia, gold is often priced per tola (11.6638 g). In South India, it is often priced per pavan or sovereign (8 g). With pure gold at $100 a gram:
| Karat | Per gram | Per tola (11.6638 g) | Per pavan (8 g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | $100.00 | $1,166.38 | $800.00 |
| 22K | $91.67 | $1,069.22 | $733.33 |
| 21K | $87.50 | $1,020.58 | $700.00 |
| 18K | $75.00 | $874.79 | $600.00 |
Swap in your local currency and today’s price — the method is the same. The gold karat calculator accepts grams, tolas and ounces.
Why 14K is stamped 585, not 583
Exactly 14 parts in 24 is 58.33% gold. The hallmark 585 is set slightly higher, so the piece is guaranteed to contain at least that much. In the same way, 22K is 91.67% on paper and stamped 916. For valuing jewellery, the karat fraction is close enough.
What buyers actually pay
The figure above is the melt value. A buyer has to refine the gold and make a profit, so offers are usually below it. How far below varies a lot between pawn shops, jewellers, refiners and online buyers. To get a fair price:
- Weigh the item yourself in grams.
- Work out the melt value with today's price.
- Get at least two or three quotes and compare them as a percentage of melt value.
- Sell designer or antique pieces separately — they can be worth more than the metal.
How much is white gold worth?
White gold is valued exactly like yellow gold of the same karat. 14K white gold is 58.3% gold, mixed with white metals and often rhodium-plated. The colour does not change the gold content, so a 14K white gold ring is worth the same per gram as 14K yellow gold.
Jewellery price vs gold value
When you buy jewellery, the price includes more than the metal. Shops usually add making or labour charges, a profit margin and, in many countries, sales tax or GST. When you sell, buyers usually pay for the metal only, minus their margin. That is why a new piece often resells for well below what you paid, even when the gold price has not moved.
Quick checks at home
- Look for a hallmark inside rings and on clasps: 375, 417, 585, 750, 875, 916 or 999.
- Try a magnet. Gold is not magnetic. If the piece sticks strongly, it is not solid gold — though passing this test does not prove it is.
- Ask a jeweller to test it with acid or an electronic tester if there is no stamp. Many do this free or for a small fee.
Gold-filled and plated items
Stamps like "GF", "GP", "HGE" or "1/20 14K" mean a thin layer of gold over another metal. These contain very little gold and are worth far less than solid karat gold.
Enter the weight and karat in the gold karat calculator with today's price for an instant value. If you keep gold as savings, check whether zakat is due with the gold zakat calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Multiply today's 24K price per gram by 0.583. If pure gold is $100 a gram, 14K gold is worth about $58.30 a gram in metal value. Buyers usually pay somewhat less.
About 41.7% of the 24K price per gram. At $100 a gram for pure gold, 10K is worth about $41.70 a gram.
No. White and yellow gold of the same karat contain the same amount of gold, so they have the same metal value per gram.
Multiply the price per gram of pure gold by 11.6638, then by 22 ÷ 24. With pure gold at $100 a gram, a tola of 22K gold contains about $1,069 of gold. Jewellery prices add making charges on top.
About 91.67% of the pure gold price per gram. If 24K gold is $100 a gram, a gram of 22K contains about $91.67 of gold.