Gold Price Calculator (Gram, KG, Oz, Ozt)
Enter weight, pick unit and karat or fineness, and get instant melt value using live spot. Right sidebar shows today’s per-gram by karat and a payout table (50–95%).
Scrap Gold Melt Value Calculator
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Estimated gold value today
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Theoretical metal value at today’s spot. Walk-in offers are usually lower due to refiner spreads, overhead and risk.
History
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Spot (USD / OZT):
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Gold Value Calculator: precise melt value for jewelry, coins, and bars
A gold value calculator helps you quickly find the real melt value—the worth of the pure gold in your item at today’s spot price. This is your benchmark before visiting a jeweler, pawn shop, or refiner, or before listing an item online. The algorithm is always the same: weight × purity (gold fraction) × spot. The result lets you compare offers, negotiate with confidence, and evaluate your portfolio.
Important: melt value is a benchmark, not a guaranteed payout; real-world buyers pay a percentage of melt (see payout ranges below).
To get an accurate result, first weigh the gold correctly, then determine the true karat/fineness, and finally apply today’s spot price with the formula. Everything you need is below: unit conversions, karat ↔ fineness ↔ percentage table, common pitfalls, a practical checklist, and an extensive FAQ.
Formula
Value (USD) = Weight (in ozt) × Gold fraction × Spot (USD per ozt)
Gold fractions for common karats: 10k = 0.4167, 14k = 0.5833, 18k = 0.7500, 22k = 0.9167, 24k ≈ 0.999. Pure-gold price per gram = Spot ÷ 31.1034768.
How to weigh your gold (clear steps)
- Use a digital scale; for best accuracy, choose a jewelry scale. Verify accuracy with a US penny ≈ 2.5 g and a US nickel ≈ 5.0 g.
- Remove gemstones, steel springs, pins, non-gold clasps or subtract their mass.
- Weigh by karat groups when possible.
- Convert grams to ozt for valuation (spot is per ozt).
How to identify what gold you have (clear steps)
- Find a hallmark: karat (10k–24k) or fineness (417–999).
- Qualifiers: GF = gold-filled; GP/GEP/HGE = plated/rolled.
- Unmarked? Test (acid, electronic, XRF). Color is not proof.
| Unit | Exact relation | In grams | In troy ounces |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ozt (troy ounce) | = 20 dwt = 480 gr | 31.1034768 g | 1.000000 |
| 1 dwt (pennyweight) | = 24 gr = 1/20 ozt | 1.55517384 g | 0.050000 |
| 1 gr (grain) | = 1/24 dwt = 1/480 ozt | 0.06479891 g | 0.00208333 |
| 1 oz (avoirdupois) | ≈ 28.349523125 g | 28.349523125 g | ≈ 0.91145833 |
Important: kitchen “oz” ≠ troy “ozt”. Convert with ozt = oz × 28.349523125 ÷ 31.1034768.
| Karat | Fineness | Gold % (fraction) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10k | 417 | 41.7% (0.4167) | Durable budget alloy |
| 14k | 583/585 | 58.3% (≈0.5833) | Most common for jewelry |
| 18k | 750 | 75.0% (0.7500) | High-end jewelry |
| 22k | 916/917 | 91.6% (0.9167) | Common in Asia/Middle East |
| 24k | 999/999.9 | ~99.9% (≈0.999) | Bars and some coins |
| Target | Formula |
|---|---|
| Pure gold $/g | Spot ÷ 31.1034768 |
| 10k $/g | (Spot ÷ 31.1034768) × 0.4167 |
| 14k $/g | (Spot ÷ 31.1034768) × 0.5833 |
| 18k $/g | (Spot ÷ 31.1034768) × 0.7500 |
| 22k $/g | (Spot ÷ 31.1034768) × 0.9167 |
| 24k $/g | (Spot ÷ 31.1034768) × 0.999 |
(Example at $1,940/ozt: pure ≈ $62.37/g, 10k ≈ $25.99/g, 14k ≈ $36.38/g, 18k ≈ $46.78/g, 22k ≈ $57.17/g, 24k ≈ $62.31/g.)
Worked example (sanity check)
Item: 14k necklace, 33 g, spot $1,940/ozt. Convert grams to ozt: 33 ÷ 31.1034768 = 1.06097 ozt. Purity fraction 14k: 14/24 = 0.58333. Compute: 1.06097 × 0.58333 × 1,940 ≈ $1,200.67 → ≈ $1,201 melt.
What melt value means and why offers differ
Melt is the theoretical worth of the pure gold if refined. Buyers deduct refining loss/risk, overhead, and margin, then pay as a percent of melt. Lot size, cleanliness and product liquidity all affect payouts.
| Scenario | Expected % of melt |
|---|---|
| Single small mixed-material item | 60–80% |
| Clean scrap (one karat), lot ≥ 100 g | 80–92% |
| Established business account, refiner | 95–99% |
| Popular bullion sold as bullion | melt + premium |
Checklist how to improve your payout
- Bundle items and separate by karat.
- Remove non-gold parts before weighing.
- Ask for spot, purity, weight, and % of melt.
- Collect 2–3 quotes on the same day.
- Consider selling designer/antique and bullion as jewelry/collectibles.
FAQ about Gold Calculator
What exactly does the calculator return?
It returns the melt value of the pure gold in your item at the spot price you enter. It excludes brand/design/collectible premiums.
Why is a buyer’s offer lower than the calculator result?
Because offers reflect refining loss, overhead, risk, and margin. Use the payout ranges and the slider card to benchmark real quotes.
Can I weigh on a kitchen scale in “oz”?
Yes, but convert to troy ounces: ozt = oz × 28.349523125 ÷ 31.1034768.
Quick per-gram price for 10k/14k/18k/22k/24k?
Pure $/g = Spot ÷ 31.1034768. Multiply by fraction: 10k 0.4167; 14k 0.5833; 18k 0.7500; 22k 0.9167; 24k ≈ 0.999.
My ring has diamonds — how should I weigh it?
Weigh only the gold or subtract estimated stone weight; otherwise your melt estimate is overstated.
Stamp says GP/GEP/HGE or GF — what does that mean?
These indicate plated/rolled (GP/GEP/HGE) or gold-filled (GF). They are not solid gold and have little recoverable melt value.
Is 24k always “better”?
24k has more gold per gram, but your payout still depends on weight and the buyer’s percent of melt.
White/rose vs yellow gold — different values?
No. Value tracks karat/fineness, not color; rhodium on white gold is a thin cosmetic coating.
What about 9k, 12k, 21k?
Use the fraction directly: 9k = 0.375; 12k = 0.5000; 21k ≈ 0.875.
Mixed items (10k, 14k, 18k) — how to calculate?
Weigh each karat separately and calculate per lot. Mixing lots often reduces payout percent.
What is “melt loss”?
Minor weight lost in refining and from solders/impurities. Buyers price this risk into the percent of melt.
Where do I find spot?
Any major financial source quoting gold per ozt. Use the same source for all quotes when comparing.
Can I switch currency?
Yes. Convert the USD result using your bank’s FX rate and be mindful of spreads and fees.
Karat vs carat — difference?
Karat (K) = gold purity. Carat (ct) = gemstone weight.
No hallmark — can I trust the look?
No. Test with acid, electronic tester, or XRF; color alone is not reliable.
Coins and bars — same formula?
Yes. Use exact weight and purity. Popular bullion may sell at melt plus a market premium.
Why does a 22k coin’s mass exceed 1 ozt?
Some 22k coins contain exactly 1 ozt of pure gold but weigh more gross due to alloy. Check mint specs.
How often should I re-check value?
On the day you solicit quotes; spot changes daily and can shift payouts 1–2% easily.
Estimate without testing?
Possible but risky. Testing increases accuracy and tends to improve final payouts.
Insurance appraisal vs melt?
Appraisals reflect retail replacement value, not melt value.
Taxes / ID requirements?
Vary by jurisdiction and deal type. Follow local rules and consult a professional.
How to mail gold safely?
Use tracked/insured shipping, photograph contents, keep an inventory, and get terms (spot/purity/weight/% of melt) in writing.
Do solders/springs affect the result?
Yes. They lower effective purity; remove or account for them.
Buyer won’t disclose % of melt — what then?
Ask for a line-item breakdown. Refusal is a red flag — get another quote.
Does cleaning help?
Light non-abrasive cleaning is fine. Avoid abrasive methods — they remove metal.
Is a magnet test enough?
No. Gold is non-magnetic, but many non-gold metals are too. Always test properly.
Hidden fees?
They can be embedded in the % of melt or listed separately (assay/shipping). Compare net payouts.
How to compare offers apples-to-apples?
Record spot, purity, weight, % of melt, and date for each quote; recalc with this tool and compare net.
I only know dwt or grains — what now?
Remember: 20 dwt = 1 ozt = 31.1034768 g = 480 gr. The calculator accepts dwt and gr directly.
Do different gold colors pay differently?
No. Payout is mass × gold fraction; color doesn’t change melt.
How much above melt for brand/antique?
Market-dependent. Quality brands and rare pieces can command premiums; check catalogs or get an appraisal.
Can I get 100% of melt?
Rarely, typically only in institutional contexts. Consumer deals seldom reach 100%.
Sell as scrap or as jewelry?
Liquid brand/design in good condition can beat scrap; damaged/generic items are usually best sold as scrap.
Should I separate by color?
No. Separate by karat; color is irrelevant.
585 vs 583 — any difference?
Practically the same; both ≈ 58.3% gold.
Spot dropped today — what to do?
Gather quotes the same day to remove volatility from comparisons.
Mental shortcut for “$/g”?
Divide spot by 31.1, then multiply by the karat fraction (≈0.58 for 14k, 0.75 for 18k, etc.).
Taxes when selling gold?
Jurisdiction-dependent. Comply with local law and seek advice if needed.
Why did one buyer offer 78% and another 86%?
Different costs, risk profiles, volumes, and resale channels. Compare on the same date/spot with transparent line items.