Live value reference
Gold Price by Karat
The gold calculator above gives a single melt value, while this table shows how the same
gold spot price breaks down by common jewelry karats. Use it for quick checks on 24K,
22K, 18K, 14K, 10K, and lower-karat scrap gold. This gold calculator keeps the table and
the main estimate aligned with the same spot price.
| Purity |
Pure gold |
Per gram |
Per dwt |
Per troy oz |
| 24K | 99.9% | -- | -- | -- |
| 22K | 91.67% | -- | -- | -- |
| 18K | 75% | -- | -- | -- |
| 14K | 58.33% | -- | -- | -- |
| 12K | 50% | -- | -- | -- |
| 10K | 41.67% | -- | -- | -- |
| 9K | 37.5% | -- | -- | -- |
| 8K | 33.33% | -- | -- | -- |
Gold calculator reference
Gold Calculator Scrap Gold Checklist
A gold calculator helps you start with spot price, weight, and purity before comparing
dealer offers. Use a gold calculator for gold jewelry, a gold calculator for coin melt
checks, and a gold calculator for karat value when you need one consistent baseline.
Before selling, run a gold calculator with grams, then run a gold calculator with
pennyweight if your scale uses dwt. A gold calculator keeps the estimate tied to the same
live gold price, so a gold calculator can compare 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K on one page.
- A gold calculator for scrap jewelry uses karat and weight; a gold calculator for coins uses listed gold content.
- A gold calculator for grams is useful at home; a gold calculator for pennyweight matches many buyer quotes.
- A gold calculator for 14K jewelry shows melt value; a gold calculator for 24K bullion shows spot-based value.
- A gold calculator for silver checks sterling and junk silver; a gold calculator keeps gold and silver prices separate.
- A gold calculator for paydirt estimates product value; a gold calculator for dealer comparisons keeps offers grounded.
- A gold calculator should be updated before large sales; a gold calculator works best with clean weights and known purity.
How Gold Melt Value Is Calculated
Gold melt value is the raw value of the gold content inside an item. The formula is:
weight converted to troy ounces x purity x current gold spot price. A 14K item is
14/24 pure gold, so a 20 gram 14K chain contains about 11.67 grams of pure gold before
converting to troy ounces.
This gold calculator handles those conversions automatically for grams, pennyweight,
grains, kilograms, and troy ounces. The result is an estimate of metal value, not a
guaranteed offer from a buyer.
Gold Calculator by Karat
Karat tells you how much pure gold is in the alloy. 24K is nearly pure, 22K is 91.67%,
18K is 75%, 14K is 58.33%, and 10K is 41.67%. For jewelry, the karat stamp inside a
clasp, ring band, or pendant is usually the fastest starting point.
Use 24K for bullion, 22K for high-karat coins or jewelry, 18K for fine jewelry, 14K for
common US jewelry, and 10K for lower-cost pieces. If purity is uncertain, test the item
before relying on the estimate.
Gold Price Per Gram, DWT, and Troy Ounce
Gold spot price is normally quoted per troy ounce, but sellers often weigh scrap gold in
grams or pennyweight. One troy ounce equals 31.1035 grams, and one pennyweight equals
1/20 of a troy ounce. The table above converts each karat into all three units.
What Dealers Pay vs. Melt Value
A gold calculator shows melt value, but most dealers pay below that number. Buyers must
cover testing, refining, shipping, insurance, and margin. Larger clean lots and higher
karat items often receive better percentages than small mixed-karat lots.
How to Weigh Gold at Home
Use a scale that reads grams to at least one decimal place, or a jeweler's scale that
reads to 0.01 grams. Remove stones, steel springs, plated parts, and non-gold findings
when possible, then group items by karat before using the calculator.
How to Test Gold Purity
Start with the karat stamp, then confirm uncertain pieces with an acid test, electronic
tester, or a jeweler. Gold is not magnetic, so a strong magnet reaction is a warning
sign, but magnet testing alone cannot prove an item is solid gold.
Gold Calculator FAQ
What is a gold calculator used for?
A gold calculator estimates the melt value of gold jewelry, coins, and scrap based on weight, purity, and spot price.
How much is 14K gold worth per gram?
14K gold is 58.33% pure. Multiply the current 24K gold price per gram by 0.5833, or use the table above for an automatic estimate.
How do I calculate 10K gold value?
10K gold is 41.67% pure. Convert the item's weight to troy ounces, multiply by 0.4167, then multiply by the gold spot price.
What is the difference between troy ounces and regular ounces?
Precious metals use troy ounces. One troy ounce is 31.1035 grams, which is heavier than a standard ounce used for everyday goods.
Why do gold buyers pay less than melt value?
Buyers discount from melt value to cover refining costs, assay risk, market movement, shipping, insurance, and operating expenses.