Gold Price Calculator
Calculate what your gold is worth right now based on live spot prices. Updated every 60 seconds.
Want to sell your gold? We pay competitive prices based on live market rates. Same-day payment at any of our locations.
Current Gold Price Per Gram by Karat
| Karat | Purity | Per Gram | Per Pennyweight | Per Troy Ounce |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | — | — | — |
| 22K | 91.7% | — | — | — |
| 21K | 87.5% | — | — | — |
| 18K | 75.0% | — | — | — |
| 14K | 58.3% | — | — | — |
| 10K | 41.7% | — | — | — |
| 9K | 37.5% | — | — | — |
Quick Estimate: Common Gold Items
Click any item to auto-fill the calculator above with its typical weight and karat.
How to Calculate the Value of Your Gold
Every gold item has two things that determine its melt value: weight and purity. The weight tells you how much metal you have. The purity (measured in karats) tells you how much of that metal is actually gold versus other alloys like copper, silver, or zinc.
The formula is straightforward. Take the current gold spot price per troy ounce, divide by 31.1035 to get the price per gram of pure (24K) gold, then multiply by your item's weight in grams, then multiply by the karat purity as a decimal. A 10-gram 14K gold chain would be calculated as: (spot price / 31.1035) × 10 × 0.583 = melt value.
Keep in mind that this calculator shows melt value — what the gold content alone is worth based on the spot price. Some gold items are worth more than melt value due to collectibility, rarity, brand, or craftsmanship. Coins, designer jewelry, and antique pieces often carry premiums above melt. If you think your gold might be worth more than its metal content, a professional appraisal from US Gold & Coin can give you an accurate number.
Gold Karat Purity Guide
The karat system measures gold purity on a scale of 1 to 24. Pure gold is 24 karats. Everything below 24K is an alloy — gold mixed with other metals to increase hardness and durability. Here's what each common karat means:
24K (99.9% gold)
Pure gold. Soft and easily scratched. Used for bullion bars, coins, and some Asian jewelry. Bright yellow color.
22K (91.7% gold)
Very high purity. Used for some bullion coins (American Gold Eagles), high-end jewelry in India and the Middle East. Rich yellow color.
18K (75.0% gold)
High-quality jewelry standard. Common in European and designer jewelry. Good balance of purity and durability. Warm yellow color.
14K (58.3% gold)
The most common karat for jewelry in the United States. Strong, durable, and affordable. Slightly lighter yellow than 18K.
10K (41.7% gold)
The minimum karat that can legally be sold as "gold" in the United States. Very durable. Lightest yellow color of the standard karats. Common in affordable jewelry.
9K (37.5% gold)
Common in the UK and Australia. Not legally "gold" in the US but still traded.
How to find the karat on your item: Look for a small stamp on the inside of rings, the clasp of chains, or the post of earrings. Common stamps include "10K," "14K," "18K," "585" (14K), "750" (18K), and "999" (24K). If there's no stamp, the item may still be gold — a professional test can confirm. Our guide to testing precious metals can help, or bring your item to US Gold & Coin for free testing.
Need to calculate silver value? Use our Silver Melt Value Calculator. See also: Gold Coin Values · Coin Values Guide · Selling Guide
Ready to Sell Your Gold?
Now that you know what your gold is worth at melt value, get an exact quote from a professional buyer. Melt value is the floor — many items are worth more based on rarity, brand, or collectibility.
US Gold & Coin has been buying gold jewelry, coins, bars, and scrap gold for over 15 years. We pay competitive prices based on live market rates and offer same-day payment. Every appraisal is free and carries no obligation.
Visit us in Dallas, Austin, Tampa, Fort Worth, Waco, Kansas City, Overland Park, or Lawrence. We also buy gold by mail with insured shipping.