Spot gold is quoted per troy ounce (31.1035 g), not the ordinary ounce. Jewellery is sold above melt value because of craftsmanship, while scrap buyers usually pay 70–90% of melt. Check the current spot price before you sell.
How to use the Gold Melt Calculator
- Karat
- Custom purity
- Weight
- Gold price per troy ounce
- Dealer spread
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Choose the karat (or enter a custom purity), enter the weight and the current gold price per troy ounce, and the dealer spread.
Tips
- Use your real spending from bank statements rather than guesses.
- Automate savings so they happen before you spend.
- Revisit your plan once a year or after any big life change.
- Keep an emergency fund before investing for long-term goals.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating irregular expenses such as car repairs, gifts and annual bills.
- Ignoring inflation for long-term goals.
- Taking on high-interest debt to fund wants.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Karat | Choose one: 24K (99.9%), 22K (91.6%), 21K (87.5%), 18K (75%) … |
| Custom purity | In % |
| Weight | Units: grams, troy ounces, ounces (avoirdupois), pennyweights (dwt), tola, kilograms |
| Gold price per troy ounce | Amount in your currency |
| Dealer spread | In % |
What each result means
- Pure gold content = [Weight]×[Purity]÷100
- Gold price per gram = [Gold price per troy ounce]÷31.1034768
- Melt value = [Pure gold content]÷31.1034768×[Gold price per troy ounce]
- Likely dealer offer = [Melt value]×(1 – [Dealer spread]÷100)
Formula
Pure gold weight = weight × purityMelt value = pure gold weight (troy oz) × spot price per troy ounceDealer offer = melt value × (1 − spread)Worked example
Inputs — Karat: 14K (58.5%); Custom purity: 90 %; Weight: 10 grams; Gold price per troy ounce: $4,000; Dealer spread: 20 %.
Results — Purity = 58.5 %; Pure gold content = 5.85 g; Gold price per gram = $128.60; Melt value = $752.33; Likely dealer offer = $601.86.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate gold melt value?
Weight × purity × spot price per gram.
How many grams in a troy ounce?
31.1035 grams.
Why do dealers pay less than melt value?
They cover refining costs and profit, usually 10–30%.
What formula does the Gold Melt Calculator use?
Pure gold weight = weight × purity.