🥈 Scrap Silver Calculator
Calculate the value of your scrap silver
Sterling silver is most common in jewelry (92.5% pure)
Current market price of silver per troy ounce
How to Use This Calculator
Weigh Your Silver
Weigh your scrap silver items using a scale. Enter the weight and select the unit (grams, ounces, or troy ounces). Jewelry scales typically measure in grams.
Determine Purity
Check for purity marks on your silver items. Sterling silver is marked .925 (92.5%), coin silver is .900 (90%), and pure silver is .999 or .9999. If unmarked, have it tested.
Enter Current Silver Price
Enter the current market price of silver per troy ounce. You can find this on financial news websites, precious metals dealers, or metals exchanges. Prices fluctuate daily.
Calculate Value
Click calculate to see the melt value of your scrap silver. Note that buyers may pay 70-95% of melt value depending on the buyer and market conditions.
Formula
Value = (Weight × Purity) × (Silver Price per Troy Ounce ÷ 31.1035)
Where:
• Weight = Total weight of silver item (in grams)
• Purity = Decimal purity (e.g., 0.925 for 92.5% or .925 sterling silver)
• Silver Price per Troy Ounce = Current market price
• 31.1035 = Grams per troy ounce
Example Calculation:
If you have 100 grams of sterling silver (.925), silver price is $25/troy oz:
• Pure silver = 100g × 0.925 = 92.5 grams
• Price per gram = $25 ÷ 31.1035 = $0.804
• Value = 92.5g × $0.804 = $74.37
About Scrap Silver Calculator
A scrap silver calculator helps you determine the melt value (intrinsic value) of your silver items based on their weight, purity, and the current market price of silver. This is useful when selling old jewelry, silverware, coins, or other silver items for scrap. The calculator shows you the theoretical maximum value (melt value) of your silver, though actual prices from buyers will typically be 70-95% of this value, depending on the buyer, market conditions, and the form of your silver.
When to Use This Calculator
- Selling Silver: Calculate value before selling scrap silver
- Jewelry Evaluation: Determine melt value of old silver jewelry
- Silverware: Calculate value of old silverware sets
- Coin Evaluation: Determine silver content value in coins
- Comparison: Compare offers from different silver buyers
Understanding Silver Purity
- .999/.9999 (100% pure): Pure silver, very soft, rarely used in jewelry
- .925 (Sterling): 92.5% pure, most common in jewelry, durable
- .900 (Coin Silver): 90% pure, used in older US coins and some jewelry
- .800 (80%): Lower purity, common in European silver
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Accurate Calculation: Precise melt value calculation
- ✅ Multiple Units: Works with grams, ounces, and troy ounces
- ✅ Common Purities: Supports all common silver purity levels
- ✅ Current Prices: Use current market silver prices
- ✅ 100% Free: No registration or payment required
Tips for Selling Scrap Silver
- Know the Value: Use this calculator to know melt value before selling
- Shop Around: Get quotes from multiple buyers (jewelers, pawn shops, online buyers, refiners)
- Expect Less: Buyers typically pay 70-95% of melt value
- Clean Items: Clean silver may fetch slightly better prices
- Verify Purity: Have unmarked items tested by professionals
- Consider Antique Value: Some silver items may be worth more as antiques than scrap
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between sterling silver and pure silver?
Sterling silver (.925) is 92.5% pure silver mixed with other metals (usually copper) for durability. Pure silver (.999 or .9999) is 99.9%+ pure but is too soft for most jewelry. Sterling silver is more common and durable for everyday use.
Why do buyers pay less than melt value?
Buyers pay less because they need to make a profit, cover refining costs, and account for market risks. Expect 70-95% of melt value depending on the buyer and market conditions. Refined silver or silver coins typically fetch higher percentages than mixed scrap.
How do I find the current silver price?
You can find current silver prices on financial news websites (Bloomberg, CNBC), precious metals exchanges (LBMA, COMEX), silver dealer websites, or by calling local jewelers. Prices are quoted per troy ounce and update throughout the trading day.
What if my silver isn't marked with a purity stamp?
If your silver isn't marked, have it tested by a professional jeweler, pawn shop, or silver buyer. They use acid tests or electronic testers to determine purity. Unmarked items may be silver-plated rather than solid silver, so testing is important.