Gold Melt Value Calculator
Enter the weight and purity of your gold to calculate its melt value at the current live spot price. Works for gold bars, coins, and jewelry.
Gold Melt Value
$1,069.66
Price as of Mar 26, 12:15 PM UTC
Gold Karat and Purity Reference
Gold purity is measured in karats (K) or as a millesimal fineness. 24 karat gold is pure (99.99%). Most bullion bars are 24K, while coins like the American Gold Eagle are 22K and contain exactly one troy ounce of pure gold alloyed for durability. For a deeper explanation, see our guide to gold purity and karats.
| Karat | Fineness | Pure Gold | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 0.9999 | 99.99% | Bullion bars, Eagle coins |
| 22K | 0.9167 | 91.67% | American Gold Eagle, Krugerrand |
| 18K | 0.7500 | 75.00% | Fine jewelry (Europe) |
| 14K | 0.5833 | 58.33% | Common US jewelry |
| 10K | 0.4167 | 41.67% | US jewelry minimum |
| 9K | 0.3750 | 37.50% | UK and Australian jewelry |
How to Calculate Gold Melt Value
The melt value of gold is the intrinsic value of the metal it contains, based on the current spot price. It does not include any dealer premium or numismatic (collector) value.
The Formula
Step-by-step example
- You have a 10-gram 18K gold ring. Convert to troy ounces: 10 ÷ 31.1035 = 0.3215 troy oz.
- 18K fineness is 0.750 (75% pure gold).
- At $5,000/ozt gold: 0.3215 × 0.750 × $5,000 = $1,205.63 melt value.
Weight unit conversions
- 1 troy ounce = 31.1035 grams
- 1 pennyweight (dwt) = 1.5552 grams = 0.05 troy oz
- 1 kilogram = 32.1507 troy oz
- 1 grain = 0.0648 grams = 0.00208 troy oz
Melt Value vs. Market Value
The melt value is the baseline value of the gold content alone. The actual market price of a gold coin or bar is usually higher because:
- Dealer premium: Dealers charge a markup over spot to cover fabrication, shipping, and profit. Use our bullion price comparison tool to find the lowest premium today.
- Numismatic value: Rare or collectible coins can be worth significantly more than melt value due to historical significance, condition, or low mintage.
When selling gold jewelry or scrap gold, dealers typically pay 70–90% of spot value. Know the melt value before you negotiate.
Popular Gold Bullion Weights
Gold bars and coins come in standard sizes. These are the most common weights investors buy and sell:
- 1 gram gold bar (0.0322 troy oz)
- 5 gram gold bar (0.1607 troy oz)
- 10 gram gold bar (0.3215 troy oz)
- 1 troy oz gold bar or coin (31.1035g, the most liquid size)
- 100 gram gold bar (3.215 troy oz)
- 1 kilogram gold bar (32.15 troy oz)
Compare live prices for gold bars and gold coins to find the lowest dealer premium.
Buy Gold at the Lowest Premium
Now that you know the melt value, you can calculate exactly how much of a premium any dealer is charging. Use our compare bullion prices tool to track real-time premiums across the top dealers and find the cheapest gold bars and coins available right now.
FAQ
What is gold melt value?
Gold melt value is the raw dollar value of the gold metal contained in a coin, bar, or piece of jewelry, calculated using the current spot price. It does not include any dealer markup, collectible premium, or fabrication cost.
Is melt value the same as what a dealer will pay me?
No. When selling gold, dealers typically pay 70–90% of melt value because they need a margin to resell to refiners. The melt value gives you a ceiling to negotiate from. Use it to compare offers before selling.
What karat is most gold jewelry sold in the US?
14 karat (58.3% pure) is the most common karat for gold jewelry in the United States. 10 karat (41.7%) is the legal minimum to be called gold in the US. European jewelry is more often 18 karat (75% pure).
What is the difference between a troy ounce and a regular ounce?
A troy ounce equals 31.1035 grams, while a regular (avoirdupois) ounce is 28.3495 grams. Gold and silver spot prices are always quoted per troy ounce. If you weigh your gold on a kitchen scale, use the gram setting and convert using this calculator.
How do I find out what karat my gold jewelry is?
Look for a hallmark stamped inside the piece. Common US stamps are 417 (10K), 583 or 585 (14K), 750 (18K), and 999 or 9999 (24K). European pieces use millesimal fineness (e.g., 750 for 18K). If there is no stamp, a jeweler can test it with acid or an electronic tester.
Does the gold melt value include the dealer premium?
No. The melt value is only the intrinsic metal value. When you buy gold bullion, dealers charge a premium above spot to cover minting, shipping, and profit. Use our compare bullion prices tool to find which dealer currently has the lowest premium.
What is 14K gold worth per gram today?
14K gold is 58.33% pure. To find the value per gram: multiply the gold spot price per troy ounce by 0.5833, then divide by 31.1035. Enter your weight in grams and select 14 Karat in the calculator above for the exact figure at today's live price.
