Zakat on gold is generally 2.5% of market value for qualifying gold, once your zakatable wealth meets the nisab and has been held for one lunar year.
zakat on gold = gold value × 2.5%
Goldworth estimates gold value from the live price, your item weight, and karat purity.
Step-by-step zakat calculation
1) List your gold items
| Item | Karat | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Bracelet | 22K | 25 g |
| Ring | 18K | 8 g |
| Coins | 24K | 10 g |
2) Convert each item to pure gold content
pure gold weight = item weight × purity
| Karat | Purity |
|---|---|
| 10K | 41.7% |
| 14K | 58.5% |
| 18K | 75.0% |
| 22K | 91.7% |
| 24K | 99.9% |
Example: 25 g × 0.917 = 22.925 g pure gold.
3) Value the pure gold
gold value = pure gold weight × 24K gold price per gram
4) Check nisab
The traditional gold nisab is 85 grams of pure gold. Some scholars allow silver nisab for mixed assets. Rulings differ, so consult a qualified scholar for your case.
5) Apply 2.5%
zakat due = gold value × 0.025
Example: zakat on 22K gold
Suppose you own 100 g of 22K gold:
100 g × 0.917 = 91.7 g pure gold91.7 g × $60/g = $5,502$5,502 × 0.025 = $137.55 zakat
Your result changes with live price and currency.
Zakat on jewelry vs investment gold
Scholars differ on whether everyday worn jewelry is treated the same as investment bars/coins. Goldworth provides informational estimates only and does not issue religious rulings.
| View pattern | Typical emphasis |
|---|---|
| Jewelry-focused distinction | Everyday personal-use jewelry may be treated differently from stored wealth |
| Value-focused approach | Gold holdings above nisab are assessed by market value regardless of form |
| Mixed-asset frameworks | Gold evaluated together with cash and trade assets in broader zakat view |
Checklist before calculating
- Separate personal-wear items from clearly investment-intent holdings.
- Verify karat and net weight for each group.
- Use current live price, not old purchase price.
- Evaluate whether your total zakatable wealth reaches nisab.
- Confirm treatment details with a qualified scholar in your school/context.
Common mistakes in zakat math
- Applying 2.5% directly to gross mixed-karat weight without purity adjustment.
- Checking nisab with non-pure weights instead of pure-gold equivalent/value.
- Using stale reference prices from previous weeks.
- Ignoring currency conversion when comparing thresholds and liabilities.
FAQ
What percentage is zakat on gold?
Commonly 2.5% of qualifying market value once conditions are met.
What is the gold nisab?
The traditional benchmark is 85 grams of pure gold value.
How do I calculate zakat on 22K?
Convert 22K weight to pure equivalent with 0.917, value it at live 24K/g baseline, then apply 2.5% if due.
Is this tool a religious authority?
No. It is a structured estimation aid; religious ruling remains with qualified scholarship.