Scrap Gold Calculator

Instant scrap gold valuation & dealer spread estimation.

Reality Check Mode

Showing theoretical stock market value

Market Value

$0.00

Today, 10 Grams of 14K gold is worth approx$0.00 on the spot market.

Ready to sell?

Get a competitive offer from our partners.

Loading gold price data...

30 Day Trend (USD/oz)

+0.0%
Loading gold price data...

📚 How to Calculate Gold Price - Complete Guide

⚖️ Gold Weight Calculator - Weighing Your Gold

Accurately weighing your gold is the first critical step. You can use any small scale, but for precision, a calibrated jewelry scale is recommended. Most household digital scales work fine for larger pieces.

💡

Pro Tip:

Test your scale's accuracy before weighing gold! Use a US nickel (exactly 5.00 grams) or a penny (exactly 2.5 grams) as a reference. If your scale shows different values, it needs calibration or replacement.

Weight Units Explained:

•
Troy Ounce (ozt): The standard for precious metals. 1 ozt = 31.1 grams. Gold prices are always quoted per troy ounce.
•
Gram (g): Metric unit, easiest for small items. Most digital scales default to grams.
•
Pennyweight (dwt): Traditional jewelry trade unit. 20 dwt = 1 troy ounce.
•
Regular Ounce (oz): NOT the same as troy ounce! 1 oz = 28.35 grams. Avoid this for gold calculations.
⚠️

Common Mistake:

Don't confuse troy ounces (ozt) with regular ounces (oz). In jewelry, "ounce" typically means troy ounce. Using the wrong unit causes a 10% error in your calculation!

🔬 Gold Karat Calculator - Understanding Purity

Most jewelry isn't pure gold. Since gold is a soft metal, it's mixed with other metals (alloys) to increase durability. The purity tells you what percentage of the total weight is actual gold.

Two Ways to Express Purity:

•
Karat (K): Ranges from 0K (no gold) to 24K (pure gold). To calculate percentage: divide karat by 24. Example: 14K = 14/24 = 58.3% pure.
•
Fineness: A 3-4 digit number. Example: 585 = 58.5% pure, 750 = 75% pure, 999 = 99.9% pure.
💡

Finding Purity Stamps:

Look inside rings, on clasps of necklaces/bracelets, or on the backs of earrings. Common locations are hidden surfaces. You may need a magnifying loupe to see tiny engravings.

Common Purities in the US (Gold Calculator 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K):

•
10K (41.7%): Minimum legal standard for "gold jewelry" in the US. Most affordable, very durable. Use our 10K gold calculator above.
•
14K (58.3%): The most popular choice. Good balance of gold content, price, and durability. Our 14K gold calculator shows accurate values.
•
18K (75%): High-end jewelry. Richer color, softer, more expensive. Calculate 18K gold value instantly.
•
22K (91.6%): Rare in US. Common in Asia, Middle East, and Indian jewelry. Use our 22K gold price calculator.
•
24K (99.9%): Pure gold. Too soft for jewelry—used for bars and coins only. Calculate 24 carat gold value here.
⚠️

Watch Out for These Stamps:

GF (Gold Filled) - Only a thick layer, NOT solid gold

GP, PL, GPL (Gold Plated) - Thin coating over base metal

HGE (Heavy Gold Electroplate) - Still just plating

Rolled/RL (Gold Rolled) - Thick plating, common in vintage watches

These items have minimal gold value!

📈 Live Gold Price Calculator - Current Gold Spot Price

The spot price is the current market price for immediate delivery of pure gold, quoted per troy ounce. This is the benchmark used worldwide for gold valuation. Our gold price calculator uses real-time spot prices.

Important Facts About Gold Prices:

•
Gold prices are quoted in US dollars per troy ounce of pure gold (24K/999.9 fineness)
•
Prices update continuously during market hours (weekdays, 6 PM - 5 PM ET)
•
Prices are relatively stable but do fluctuate based on economic conditions
•
The same price is used globally—gold is a universal commodity
💡

Where to Check Current Prices:

Reliable sources include Kitco.com, GoldPrice.org, financial news sites (Bloomberg, Reuters), or our calculator's live price display. Avoid random websites—stick to established precious metals authorities.

What Affects Gold Prices?

•
Economic uncertainty: Gold rises during recessions/crises (safe haven asset)
•
Inflation: Higher inflation typically increases gold prices
•
US Dollar strength: Weak dollar = higher gold prices (inverse relationship)
•
Interest rates: Low rates make gold more attractive
•
Geopolitical tensions: Wars, conflicts drive investors to gold

🧮 Gold Price Calculation - How to Calculate Gold Value

Once you have the three key values (weight, purity, spot price), calculating your gold's value is straightforward. Use our gold price calculator by gram or ounce for instant results.

Gold Value Calculation Formula:

Value = (Weight in troy oz) × (Purity %) × (Spot Price per troy oz)

Gold Calculator Per Gram Example (14K Gold):

Let's say you have a 14K gold necklace weighing 33 grams, and gold is trading at $2,650 per troy ounce.

Step 1: Convert weight to troy ounces
33 grams ÷ 31.1 = 1.061 troy ounces
Step 2: Determine purity percentage (14K gold calculator)
14K = 14 ÷ 24 = 0.583 (or 58.3%)
Step 3: Calculate gold price
1.061 × 0.583 × $2,650 = $1,639.85
Result: The scrap gold value is $1,639.85
💡

Quick Tip:

Our scrap gold calculator does all this math instantly! Just enter your weight, select purity (10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K), and see results in real-time. Perfect for calculating gold value per gram or by ounce.

📊 Gold Purity Quick Reference - Karat to Percentage

Use this gold karat calculator reference to understand different purities. Our scrap gold calculator supports all common karats.

KaratFinenessPurity %Description
10K41741.7%Lowest purity jewelry, more durable
14K583/58558.3%Most common for jewelry in the US
18K75075.0%Higher-end fine jewelry
22K916/91791.6%Rare in US, common in Asia/Middle East
24K999/999.999.9%Pure gold, typically bars and coins only
⚠️

Beware of Fake Gold Stamps:

•
GF = Gold Filled (not solid gold - only outer layer)
•
GP/PL/GPL = Gold Plated (thin coating only)
•
RL/Rolled = Gold Rolled (thick plating, common in vintage pocket watches)

These markings mean it's NOT solid gold and worth significantly less!

❓ Gold Calculator FAQ - Common Questions

How does a scrap gold calculator work?

A scrap gold calculator determines the melt value of your gold by multiplying three factors: weight × purity × current gold spot price. For example, our gold calculator per gram first converts your weight to troy ounces (the standard unit for precious metals), then multiplies by the purity percentage (e.g., 14K = 58.3%), and finally by the live gold price per troy ounce. This gives you the raw gold value, also called "melt value" or "scrap value."

What's the difference between a troy ounce and a regular ounce in the gold calculator?

A troy ounce (ozt) is the standard unit for precious metals. 1 troy ounce = 31.1 grams, while 1 regular ounce (oz) = 28.35 grams. Gold prices are ALWAYS quoted in troy ounces. Using the wrong unit in your gold value calculator will result in about a 10% calculation error! When jewelers say "ounce," they typically mean troy ounce. Our gold calculator oz option uses troy ounces by default.

How do I use the 14K gold calculator or other karat calculators?

Using our 14K gold calculator (or 10K, 18K, 22K gold calculators) is simple:
1.Weigh your gold jewelry and select the unit (grams is easiest)
2.Click on the karat button that matches your jewelry (14K is most common in the US)
3.The gold price calculator automatically shows your gold's melt value
4.Check the "Cash For Gold" section to see what pawn shops typically pay (70-85% of melt value)
Our gold calculator by gram instantly converts any weight unit to show accurate gold value per gram or per ounce.

How accurate is this live gold price calculator?

Our gold value calculator uses the current gold spot price (displayed at the top of the page). The calculation formula is the industry-standard method used by refineries, pawn shops, and gold buyers worldwide: Weight × Purity × Spot Price.
The accuracy depends on:
•Accurate weighing: Use a calibrated scale (test with a 5g nickel)
•Correct purity: Check stamps inside jewelry (14K, 585, etc.)
•Current spot price: Gold prices change throughout the day
Our scrap gold calculator provides the exact melt value. Actual cash offers will be 15-30% less, as shown in the "Cash For Gold Calculator" section. Use our gold gram calculator or gold calculator oz for precise calculations in your preferred unit.

How can I verify the purity for the gold karat calculator?

Before using our gold karat calculator, you need to know your gold's purity. Here are four reliable methods:
Method 1 - Check for Stamps: Look inside rings, on clasps of necklaces/bracelets for markings like "14K," "585," "750," etc. You may need a magnifying loupe to see tiny engravings.
Method 2 - Professional Testing: Most jewelers and pawn shops offer free or low-cost testing. They use acid tests or XRF machines (X-ray fluorescence) for accurate results.
Method 3 - Home Test Kit: Purchase a gold testing kit on Amazon ($10-20) that includes testing acids for different karats. Follow instructions carefully.
Method 4 - XRF Testing: The most accurate non-destructive method, available at gold buyers and refineries. This gives precise purity percentages.
Once you've verified the purity, simply click the corresponding karat button in our gold calculator above (10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K) to get accurate scrap gold value calculations. For unusual purities, use the "Custom" option.

Why is the cash for gold calculator showing less than the melt value?

This is completely normal! Our gold melt calculator shows the "melt value" (what the pure gold content is worth). The cash for gold calculator section shows realistic offers. Gold buyers need to:
•Make a profit (typically 10-20%)
•Cover refining costs (turning jewelry alloys into pure gold)
•Account for market risk (gold prices fluctuate)
•Pay for business operations (rent, staff, equipment)
Fair offers range from 70-85% of melt value. Our pawn shop gold calculator shows this range. If someone offers over 90%, be cautious—it could be a scam! Use our scrap gold value calculator to compare multiple quotes.

Can I use this gold price calculator for different karats like 10K, 18K, or 22K gold?

Yes! Our gold calculator supports all common purities:
•10K Gold Calculator: 41.7% pure - most durable, common in US
•14K Gold Calculator: 58.3% pure - most popular in US jewelry
•18K Gold Calculator: 75% pure - high-end fine jewelry
•22K Gold Price Calculator: 91.6% pure - common in Asian/Middle Eastern jewelry
•24 Carat Gold Calculator: 99.9% pure - gold bars and coins only
•Custom Purity: Enter any percentage for unusual karats
Simply click the karat button that matches your jewelry, and the gold calculator by gram will show accurate values instantly. You can also use it as a gold price per gram calculator for any karat.

What else might affect my gold's value beyond the calculator?

This gold melt calculator only determines the scrap gold value. Your item may be worth MORE if it has:
•Designer Brand: Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, etc. may command 20-200%+ premiums
•Antique/Vintage Value: Age, craftsmanship, and historical significance add value
•Rare Coins: Numismatic value can exceed gold content by 10-1000x
•Gemstones: Diamonds and precious stones have separate value
•Unique Design: Art jewelry or custom pieces may be collectible
Get a professional appraisal before selling! Don't sell designer/antique pieces as scrap gold. Our gold price calculator shows melt value only - not collectible or designer premiums.

How do I use the gold calculator per gram vs by ounce?

Both methods give the same result! Choose based on your preference:
Gold Calculator Gram (Recommended for small items):
•Best for rings, earrings, small chains
•Most digital scales display grams
•Easy to visualize (1 gram ≈ size of paperclip)
•Our gold price per gram calculator shows value per gram
Gold Calculator Oz / Troy Ounce:
•Best for larger items (big chains, multiple pieces)
•Gold prices are quoted per troy ounce
•1 troy ounce = 31.1 grams
•Professional standard in gold industry
Simply select your preferred unit at the top of the calculator. Our gold value calculator automatically converts between units. You can also use pennyweight (dwt) - common in the jewelry trade where 20 dwt = 1 troy ounce.

How do I accurately weigh my gold?

Option 1 - Buy a Jewelry Scale:
•Purchase a digital scale accurate to 0.01g ($15-30 on Amazon)
•Calibrate with a US nickel (standard weight: 5.00 grams)
•Weigh on a stable surface away from drafts
Option 2 - Free Jeweler Weighing:
Most jewelers will weigh your items for free. Ask them to show you the reading.
Option 3 - Post Office Scale:
USPS has certified scales, though less precise than jewelry scales.
Important: If jewelry has gemstones, you need to subtract their weight or ask the buyer to remove and weigh gold separately.

When is the best time to sell gold?

Gold prices fluctuate based on several factors:
Prices typically RISE during:
•Economic uncertainty or recession
•High inflation periods
•Weak US dollar
•Geopolitical tensions or wars
•Stock market crashes
Prices typically FALL during:
•Strong economic growth
•Rising interest rates
•Strong US dollar
•Stable political environment
Strategy: Unless you need cash urgently, wait for favorable market conditions. Set price alerts using gold tracking apps. Gold has historically maintained value over the long term.

How can I avoid getting scammed when selling gold?

6 Ways to Protect Yourself:
1.Get Multiple Quotes: Contact at least 3-5 different buyers. Prices can vary significantly!
2.Know Your Value First: Use this calculator so you understand what you should receive.
3.Watch Them Weigh: Insist on being present during weighing. Some use rigged scales or sleight of hand.
4.Verify Testing: Ask how they test purity. Reputable buyers use XRF or acid tests openly.
5.Never Feel Rushed: Legitimate buyers won't pressure you. Take quotes home and compare.
6.Get Written Offers: Request itemized quotes showing weight, purity, price per gram, and total offer.
🚩 Red Flags: No written quote, won't let you watch testing, pressure tactics, "limited time" offers, or offers that seem too good to be true.

Can I sell gold jewelry with gemstones?

Yes, but there are considerations:
Option 1 - Sell as Jewelry: If stones have value (diamonds, sapphires, emeralds), sell as complete jewelry to get payment for both gold AND gemstones.
Option 2 - Remove Stones First: If stones are small or low quality, have them removed and keep them. Sell just the gold. Many buyers charge nothing for stone removal.
Option 3 - Sell to Gold Buyer: Some gold buyers pay for stones, but often at low rates. They focus on gold value.
Tip: For valuable stones (1+ carat diamonds, precious gems), get separate appraisals. The stone value may exceed the gold value significantly!