How to Weigh Gold for Zakat Step by Step
Got a mix of bangles, coins and stone-studded rings? Weighing them wrong can mean paying too little or too much.
Most organisations agree on the same baseline. Weigh all gold and silver in grams. Find the net weight of pure gold after removing stones. Multiply by the current market price per gram on the day.
Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Weigh everything in grams. Include jewellery, coins, bars and any expensive items. Weigh gold and silver separately. Gold and silver should be weighed separately – on our calculator if you enter the weights of gold and silver in.
- Step 2: Deduct stones. Under Islamic jurisprudence, precious gems such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and pearls are NOT subject to zakat when set inside personal jewellery. Before calculating, you must deduct the estimated weight of all non-gold stones from the gross weight. If a necklace weighs 60 grams but contains 10 grams of stones, the net gold weight is 50 grams.
- Step 3: Convert karat to pure. The 85-gram nisab is on pure 24K. Use this formula: Equivalent Pure 24K Grams = Gross Weight × (Karat / 24). For example, 100 grams of 18-karat gold is (100 × 18) / 24 = 75 grams pure.
- Step 4: Check price per gram. Contemporary scholars consistently rule that zakat is calculated based on the intrinsic bullion/scrap melt market value, not the retail price. Retail includes markup, craftsmanship and branding.
- Step 5: Calculate 2.5%. Multiply your total pure grams by the scrap price on your zakat anniversary date. If that value meets or exceeds nisab – based on 85g of gold or 595g of silver – then zakat is due at 2.5%.
Here is a real worked example from the sources:
- 24K investment bar weighing 50 grams → 50g × (24/24) = 50.00 grams pure gold.
- 22K bridal necklace weighing 45 grams with 5 grams synthetic gemstones → Deduct 5g stones = 40g net. Pure weight = 40g × (22/24) = 36.67 grams pure gold.
- 18K bracelet weighing 40 grams with no stones → 40g × (18/24) = 30.00 grams pure gold.
- Total Pure 24K Gold = 50.00g + 36.67g + 30.00g = 116.67 grams.
- Nisab check: 116.67g is greater than 85.0g, so nisab is met.
- Total Market Value = 116.67g × $72.00/g = $8,400.24.
- Zakat Due (2.5%) = $8,400.24 × 0.025 = $210.01.
For whether worn jewellery counts, see Is Gold Jewellery Zakatable Hanafi? Yes — All Gold Counts Even When Worn.
| Number | Meaning | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5% | Zakat rate on gold | Musaffa Academy zakat rate is 2.5% of its total value, Muzz tax of 2.5% on gold, Al Mustafa Trust Pay 2.5% of total value |
| 1 lunar year = hawl | Holding period | Musaffa full lunar year (αΈ₯awl) passes while it remains at that level, Muzz after a lunar year from when wealth first reached nisab, CalculatorHub maintained over a full lunar year (Hawl) |
| 85 g pure gold | Gold nisab most common | Musaffa nisab is 85 grams, Muzz gold totals 85 grams or more, SGI If total reaches 85 grams Zakat is due |
| 87.48 g gold / 87.479 g | Gold nisab variant 7.5 tola used by some orgs incl. NZF | IslamQA Standard Nisaab 87.479g, NIDA CS UK 87.48g 7.5 tolas, CalculatorHub 20 Mithqals equal exactly 85.0g variant 7.288 tolas |
| 595 g silver | Silver nisab 200 dirhams most common | Musaffa For silver 595 grams, GHH based on 85g gold or 595g silver |
| 612.36 g / 612.35 g silver | Silver nisab variant used by some major orgs incl. Islamic Relief, NZF Canada | IslamQA 612.35g, NIDA 612.36g, NZF Canada combined value equals Nisaab of silver 612.35g |
| 24K = 100% = 24/24 Factor 1.000 | Pure gold | CalculatorHub 24-Karat 24/24 100% pure gold Factor 1.000, Muzz 24 karats signifying pure gold |
| 22K = 91.67% = 22/24 Factor 0.9167 | Common jewellery purity (dominant 916) | CalculatorHub 22-Karat 91.67% pure gold Factor 0.9167, Economic Times 22-karat 0.916 fineness |
| 21K = 87.5% = 21/24 Factor 0.8750 | Gulf standard | CalculatorHub 21-Karat 87.50% pure gold Factor 0.8750, Mubashir Hassan gold-pos 21K 0.875 |
| 18K = 75% = 18/24 Factor 0.7500 | Western designer jewellery | CalculatorHub 18-Karat 75.00% pure gold Factor 0.7500, Muzz 100g 18-karat pure value (100×18)/24=75g |
| 11.664 g / 11.66 g = 1 tola | South Asian unit | Mubashir Hassan gold-pos 1 tola =11.664g, NZF Tolas One Tola 11.66g |
How to Handle Diamonds, Stones and Different Karats
Diamonds and pearls often confuse the weighing.
The agreed position: zakaah is not due on any precious stones or diamonds. If jewellery for personal use has precious stones or pearls, zakaah will not be due on the value of the stones and pearls. The stones will not be regarded as part of the gold if they are distinguishable.
So count the gold content only if pieces contain stones or other metals.
In practice:
- If stones are distinguishable, deduct their weight and keep gold weight only.
- If stones are mounted and hard to detach, ask a jeweller. For convenience you can go to a jeweler and ask them to weigh the metals separately.
- If it is difficult to know the exact stone weight, you would rather give more than risk giving less zakaah than is fardh on you.
For mixed metals, some sources say zakat on mixed articles is determined by the overpowering of metal. If gold or silver is more than 50% of the total article, zakat will be necessary.
Other contemporary guidance says if gold or silver content can be distinguished and ascertained, that content is liable even if less than 50%.
Purity affects value, not the basic obligation. 22K is 91.6% to 91.67% pure and is the dominant 916 jewellery gold. 21K is 87.5% and is the Gulf standard. 18K is 75% and is common for designer and stone-studded jewellery. 24K is 99.9% and is used for coins and bars.
Learn more in Zakat on 22k Gold: How 91.6% Purity, Nisab and 2.5% Work and Zakat on Gold Coins: Krugers, Sovereigns, Dinars and 2.5% Calculation.
Which Price to Use and How to Weigh Gold and Silver
Which price per gram should you use after weighing?
Contemporary Islamic scholars consistently rule that zakat is calculated based on the intrinsic bullion/scrap melt market value, not the retail price. Retail includes markup, craftsmanship, branding and taxes. These do not represent recoverable metal value.
You also need to weigh gold and silver separately. There is no zakat due on platinum and palladium or other precious metals apart from gold and silver.
If you own gold and silver jewellery combined, some Hanafi sources say if the combined value equals the nisab of silver (612.35g), zakaah will be fardh. Others keep gold and silver thresholds separate.
Tips that help:
- Keep accurate records of weight and purity. Update them regularly.
- Use the scrap gold price on the day you calculate, or ask local gold merchants for up-to-date rates.
- Use an online zakat calculator to avoid mistakes. Consult a scholar if unsure.
| Question | Position A (who) | Position B (who) | Practical effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is worn gold jewellery weighed for zakat? | Hanafi holds ALL gold and silver items unconditionally subject to Zakat regardless of worn as personal rings bracelets necklaces or stored [CalculatorHub Zakat on Gold & Jewelry Guide + Musaffa Academy Hanafi Position] | Majority Position (Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali) rule that gold jewelry designated for lawful customary personal adornment is personal necessity like clothing and therefore EXEMPT, provided within modest cultural norms not extravagant and not hoarded as savings [CalculatorHub + Musaffa Maliki Shafi’i Hanbali Position] | Woman 120g 22k worn daily: Position A weighs 120g → 2.5% due; Position B 0 if customary and worn |
| Should stones be deducted if not distinguishable? | If jewellery for personal use has precious stones or pearls Zakaah will not be due on value of stones if distinguishable. This is Fatwa of Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi. However best if person includes value of stone to gold so more benefit for poor and no doubt [IslamQA Is there zakat on gold stock] | Therefore before calculating gold Zakat must deduct estimated weight of non-gold stones from gross scale weight + Zakaah is not due on any precious stones mounted on gold jewellery. However when distinguishing weight of gold minus stones should be particularly cautious. In such cases you would rather give more than risk giving less Zakaah [IslamQA Is there zakat on gold stock] | If stones not detachable, Position A precautionary include value; Position B estimate/deduct and ask jeweller to weigh metals separately |
| Which price per gram to use when weighing? | Contemporary scholars consistently rule that Zakat is calculated based on intrinsic bullion/scrap melt market value, NOT retail store price. Retail includes retailer markup, craftsmanship labor charges, branding premiums [CalculatorHub Valuation Rules] | If you have 50g of 24carat gold, market value today right now is £45.61 per gram. Thats 45.61GBP×50grams=£2280.50 You pay zakat on 2.5% [Thurrock Muslim Community via NZF] + Weigh your gold grams multiply by current price/gram → total value [Human Concern UK] | Using scrap vs retail can change zakat due; majority guidance use scrap/melt price on zakat anniversary date |
- Weigh all gold in grams on your zakat date, deduct stones if distinguishable, and keep gold and silver weights separate.
- Convert karat to pure 24K using gross × (karat/24): 22K 91.67%, 21K 87.5%, 18K 75%, 24K 100%.
- Precious stones, diamonds, pearls are exempt — count gold content only; ask a jeweller to weigh metals separately if unsure.
- Use current scrap/melt market price per gram, not retail price, and pay 2.5% if pure total reaches 85g gold or 595g silver nisab after one lunar year.
- If exact stone weight is unknown, it is safer to give more than risk giving less.
The Hanafi school holds all gold and silver items are unconditionally subject to zakat regardless of worn or stored, while the majority (Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali) hold gold jewellery designated for lawful customary personal adornment is exempt if not extravagant and not hoarded as savings. On stones, some hold if distinguishable the stone value is not included, with precautionary inclusion if weight uncertain, while others require deducting estimated stone weight from gross weight. On valuation, most contemporary scholars require scrap/melt price, not retail. Practical effect: 120g worn 22K may be zakatable under Hanafi and exempt under majority if customary; stone-heavy jewellery may weigh less after deduction. For differences, follow a scholar you trust.
Frequently asked questions
Weigh all gold and silver in grams on jeweller scale, determine net weight pure gold after deducting stones. [Kashmir Welfare Foundation Weigh all gold and silver in grams + CalculatorHub deduct estimated weight of non-gold stones]
No, zakaah is not due on any precious stones or diamonds; if jewellery for personal use has precious stones or pearls in it, zakaah will not be due on value of stones if distinguishable. [IslamQA Is there zakat on gold stock + IslamQA Zakat on Silver rings precious stones exempt]
Use purity calculator to convert total weight to pure gold: pure = gross × (Karat/24). Example 100g 18-karat pure value (100×18)/24=75g. [Muzz Simple Guide + CalculatorHub Formula]
Gold and silver should be weighed separately on calculator if you enter weights of gold and silver in. [NZF Are other precious metals such as platinum]
Contemporary scholars consistently rule zakat calculated based on intrinsic bullion/scrap melt market value, not retail store price. [CalculatorHub Valuation Rules]
For convenience you can go to a jeweler and ask them to weigh the metals separately. [Homage Personalised Jewellery + Starco Jewellers For convenience you can go to a jeweler]
When distinguishing weight of gold minus stones one should be particularly cautious. Many a time difficult to know exact weight of stone. In such cases you would rather give more than risk giving less zakaah. [IslamQA Is there zakat on gold stock]
- NZF Are other precious metals such as platinum & palladium to be included — There is no Zakat due on platinum and palladium or other precious metals apart from gold and silver, Gold and silver should be weighed separately
- Musaffa Academy A Complete Guide to Zakat On Gold and Worn Jewellery — When zakat on gold becomes obligatory three conditions reaches nisab threshold full lunar year passes full ownership, For gold nisab is 85 grams For silver 595 grams, If meets or exceeds 85 grams after one lunar year zakat rate 2.5%, Hanafi Position Zakat Applies to All Gold and Silver, Maliki Shafi’i Hanbali Position Personal-Use Jewelry Is Exempt if customary, Practical Examples 120g 22k gold jewelry total value $7,800 Hanafi zakat $195, How to Calculate Zakat on Gold Generally Weigh your gold in grams check current gold price per gram on zakat anniversary date multiply weight by price total value then pay 2.5%, Zakat on 22k vs 24k 22k 91.6% pure 24k close to 100% pure, Zakat on Diamonds and Gemstones not inherently zakatable If own gold ring set with diamonds calculate zakat on gold weight only not stone
- CalculatorHub Zakat on Gold & Jewelry Guide — Foundational Rules gold Dhahab and silver Fiddah Amwal Khilqiyyah, Quran At-Tawbah 9:34, Nisab 85 grams pure 24-Karat gold 20 classical Mithqals 85.0g, Scholarly Debate Hanafi ALL gold unconditionally subject to Zakat, Majority Shafi’i Maliki Hanbali gold jewelry designated lawful customary personal adornment exempt, How to Calculate Karat Purity 24K 24/24 100% Factor 1.000 22K 22/24 91.67% Factor 0.9167 21K 21/24 87.50% Factor 0.8750 18K 18/24 75% Factor 0.7500 14K 14/24 58.33% Factor 0.5833, Formula Equivalent Pure 24K Grams = Gross Weight × (Karat/24), Deducting Gemstones diamonds NOT subject to Zakat when set inside personal jewelry, Therefore before calculating gold Zakat must deduct estimated weight of all non-gold stones from gross scale weight, Worked Example 24K bar 50g 22K necklace 45g with 5g gemstones deduct 5g =40g net pure 36.67g 18K bracelet 40g pure 30.00g Total Pure 116.67g Nisab met Total Market Value $8,400.24 Zakat 2.5% $210.01, Valuation Rules scrap value vs retail price
- IslamQA Is there zakat on gold stock or only on stored wealth — Difference of opinion whether Zakaah due on jewellery worn between Imaam Abu Haneefah and Imaam Shaafi’eey, If woman owns jewellery equal to 612.35g silver or 87.479g gold liable even though does not wear at all, If woman owns gold and silver jewellery combined value equals Nisaab of silver 612.35g Zakaah Fardh, Imaam Shaafi’eey opinion Zakaah will not be due if worn even once during year only due on jewellery not used at all stored as wealth, Zakaah is not due on any precious stones or diamonds, If jewellery for personal use not for sale has precious stones or pearls Zakaah will not be due on value of stones if distinguishable, Zakaah is not due on any precious stones mounted on gold jewellery, However when distinguishing weight of gold minus stones should be particularly cautious Many a time difficult to know exact weight of stone In such cases you would rather give more than risk giving less
- IslamQA Zakat on Silver rings Darul Ifta Birmingham — Zakat only obligatory upon gold and silver jewellery, Precious stones pearls rubies diamonds exempt from Zakat, Zakat on mixed articles like gold or silver mixed with other alloys determined by overpowering of metal If gold or silver more than 50% total article zakat necessary
- Muzz The Simple Guide to Zakat on Gold — What is Nisab If you have gold jewellery or coins you have to pay Zakat on it Nisab minimal amount 85 grams or more called Nisab, Islam requires tax of 2.5% on gold, Step-by-Step Calculation Firstly measure gold purity with 24 karats signifying pure gold If gold lower purity like 18 or 21 karats figure out pure gold value Next weigh everything made out of gold including jewellery and any expensive items Then use purity calculator to convert total weight to pure gold Example 100g 18-karat gold pure value (100×18)/24=75g After that compare total pure gold weight to Nisab’s 85 grams, Finally calculating zakat on gold is 2.5% of total pure gold weight
- Kashmir Welfare Foundation Easily Calculate Your Zakat — Weigh all gold and silver in grams Multiply by current market value per gram Subtract any jewellery you do not own outright or items below nisab threshold Pay 2.5% total value Example 100g gold at £60/g = £6,000 Zakat due £150
- Thurrock Muslim Community via NZF — You also factor deductible assets consider debts and bills, If you have gold or silver jewellery you need to weigh it and calculate price on current market value of gold or silver on day So if you have 50g of 24carat gold market value today right now is £45.61 per gram Thats 45.61GBP×50grams=£2280.50 You pay zakat on 2.5%
- Starco Jewellers How To Pay Zakat On Jewellery — For convenience you can go to a jeweler and ask them Zakat on jewellery, There is no zakat on jewelry other than gold and silver This means there is no zakat on precious stones such as rubies or diamonds regardless of market value Zakat is due only on gold and silver
- Homage Personalised Jewellery ZAKAT ON JEWELLERY IN USE — For convenience you can go to a jeweler and ask them to weigh metals separately, Zakat on Jewelry NZF Canada consensus states all jewelry that contains any metal or stones apart from gold and silver are not zakatable This means rubies copper iron diamonds etc are not zakatable metals and stones
- Al Mustafa Trust Zakat Rules for Muslims — Bullion and Coins Gold held in form of bullion or coins subject to pay for Zakat, Mixed Ownership If gold jointly owned each owner calculates share individually to see if meets Nisab threshold, Calculation Step1 Weigh all gold you own Step2 Determine current market value per gram Step3 Calculate total value multiplying weight by current market value Step4 Pay 2.5% total value
- GHH Zakatable Assets FAQs — To calculate Zakat on jewellery determine net weight of pure gold or silver and multiply it by current market price per gram to get total value If that value meets or exceeds nisab based on 85g gold or 595g silver then Zakat due at 2.5% total value
⚠️ Educational content only — not a fatwa. Rulings differ by school of thought and personal situation; please confirm with a qualified scholar.
