Gold Price Calculator

How to Calculate Gold Value

Calculating the value of gold is straightforward once you understand three variables: weight, purity, and the live spot price. Whether you are evaluating gold jewelry, estimating scrap gold value, or determining how much physical bullion costs, the same formula applies:

Gold Value = Weight in Grams × Purity (decimal) × Spot Price Per Gram

The live gold spot price is quoted globally in US dollars per troy ounce. One troy ounce equals exactly 31.1035 grams. To find the spot price per gram, divide the per-ounce price by 31.1035. At today's live price of $4,565.60 per troy ounce, one gram of pure 24K gold is worth $146.79.

The purity factor depends on the karat of your gold. Pure gold is 24 karat (100% or 0.999+ fineness). Lower karats contain alloy metals (copper, silver, zinc) that reduce the gold content. The karat system tells you the proportion of pure gold in the item: 18K is 75%, 14K is 58.5%, and so on. Multiplying weight by purity gives you the pure gold content, and multiplying that by the spot price per gram gives you the melt value.

Live Gold Price Reference Table

The table below uses the live spot price of $4,565.60/oz to calculate gold values across common weights and karat purities. All values update as the spot price changes.

Gold Value by Weight (24K Pure Gold)

Gold Value by Karat (Per Gram)

Gold Value by Karat and Weight (Multi-Reference Table)

Gold Karat Guide

The karat (abbreviated K or kt) measures the proportion of pure gold in an alloy. The term originates from the carob seed, historically used as a balance weight in gold markets. Here is what each common karat designation means:

• 24K (99.9%+ pure) — Investment-grade bullion. Bars and coins from PAMP Suisse, Valcambi, the Royal Canadian Mint, and similar refiners are .9999 fine (four nines). This is the purest form of gold available commercially.
• 22K (91.67% pure) — Used in American Gold Eagles, South African Krugerrands, and traditional Asian jewelry. The remaining 8.33% is typically copper and silver alloy, which adds durability.
• 18K (75% pure) — The standard for high-end jewelry worldwide. Offers a good balance of gold content, durability, and color. Common in European and luxury jewelry.
• 14K (58.5% pure) — The most popular karat for jewelry in the United States. More durable and affordable than higher karats while still containing a majority of pure gold.
• 10K (41.7% pure) — The minimum karat that can legally be sold as "gold" in the United States. Most affordable gold jewelry option with reasonable durability for everyday wear.

Calculating Scrap Gold Value

If you have broken jewelry, old rings, dental gold, or any other scrap gold, here is how to estimate its value using the gold calculator formula:

1. Weigh the item on a gram scale. Kitchen scales work but a jeweler's scale (accurate to 0.01g) is more precise.
2. Identify the karat. Look for a stamp on the item: common markings include 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, 375 (9K), 585 (14K), 750 (18K), or 916 (22K).
3. Apply the formula: Weight in grams × karat purity × $146.79 (today's spot per gram) = melt value.
4. Apply a buyer discount. Scrap gold buyers and refiners typically offer 70–90% of the calculated melt value to cover refining costs and profit. Reputable buyers offer closer to 85–90%.

For example, a 15-gram 14K gold bracelet: 15 × 0.585 × $146.79 = $1,288.06 melt value. A scrap buyer offering 85% would pay approximately $1,094.85. Knowing the melt value before you sell gives you negotiating power and protects you from lowball offers.

Understanding Gold Premiums

When buying physical gold, the total price is always the spot price plus a premium. The premium is the markup above the raw gold value and covers manufacturing, refining, distribution, and dealer margin. Understanding this price breakdown is essential for getting the best deal.

Here is how premiums typically break down by product type:

• Generic gold bars (1 oz): 3–5% premium over spot. Lowest markup per ounce of gold content.
• Government-minted coins (Eagles, Maples): 5–8% premium. Higher due to sovereign mint costs and collector demand.
• Fractional products (1/10 oz, 1g): 8–15% premium. Fixed manufacturing costs spread over less gold content.
• Kilo bars: 2–3% premium. Lowest percentage markup available, but requires significant capital.

MintBuilder displays the exact premium over spot on every product page. Our dealer comparison shows how our pricing stacks up against competitors like APMEX, JM Bullion, and SD Bullion. When you factor in our free insured shipping on orders over $199, the total cost at MintBuilder is consistently among the lowest available online. Visit our gold premium comparison and dealer price breakdown pages for full transparency.

Gold Weight Conversions

Gold is traded in different weight units around the world. Here is a comprehensive conversion reference using the live spot price of $4,565.60/oz:

Buy Gold at Live Spot Prices

Now that you know exactly how to calculate gold's value, put that knowledge to work. MintBuilder offers a wide selection of gold bars and coins at transparent, competitive prices with the premium over spot clearly displayed on every product page.

• Free shipping on orders over $199 — fully insured with tracking and discreet packaging
• Buyback guarantee — sell your gold back at competitive rates when you are ready to liquidate
• Best Price Guarantee — we match or beat any major dealer's published price
• IRA-eligible products — hold gold in a tax-advantaged self-directed precious metals IRA
• Secure checkout — bank-grade encryption and discreet delivery

Whether you are buying a 1-gram bar for $161.47 or a kilo bar for over $151,191, MintBuilder provides the transparency, pricing, and trust you need. Shop gold bars or browse gold coins to find the right product for your portfolio.