🥇 Gold Melt Calculator
Calculate the melt value of your gold
Current market price (default: $2000)
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Weight
Input the weight of your gold item and select the unit (grams, ounces, or troy ounces). You may need to weigh your gold jewelry to get an accurate measurement.
Select Karat
Select the karat of your gold. Karat indicates purity: 24k is pure gold, 18k is 75% gold, 14k is 58.3% gold, etc. Check jewelry stamps or hallmarks for karat markings.
Enter Current Gold Price
Enter the current market price of gold per ounce (optional - defaults to $2000). Gold prices fluctuate daily, so check current market prices for accurate calculations.
Review Results
See the melt value of your gold (the value of the pure gold content). Note that actual buyback prices may be lower than melt value due to dealer fees and processing costs.
Formula
Purity = Karat ÷ 24
Pure Gold Weight = Total Weight × Purity
Melt Value = Pure Gold Weight × Price per Gram
Where:
• Price per Gram = Gold Price per Ounce ÷ 31.1035
• 24k = 100% pure, 18k = 75%, 14k = 58.3%, 10k = 41.7%
Example Calculation:
If you have 10 grams of 18k gold and gold is $2000/ounce:
• Purity = 18 ÷ 24 = 0.75 (75%)
• Pure gold = 10g × 0.75 = 7.5g
• Price per gram = $2000 ÷ 31.1035 = $64.30
• Melt value = 7.5g × $64.30 = $482.25
About Gold Melt Calculator
A gold melt calculator helps you determine the melt value of your gold jewelry or items based on their weight, karat (purity), and current gold market price. Melt value is the value of the pure gold content in your item, which is what gold buyers and refiners typically pay (minus their fees). This calculator is useful for selling gold jewelry, understanding the value of inherited gold, or evaluating gold as an investment.
When to Use This Calculator
- Selling Gold: Estimate the value before selling gold jewelry
- Buying Gold: Understand gold value when purchasing
- Estate Planning: Value inherited gold jewelry
- Investment Evaluation: Assess gold as an investment
- Insurance: Determine replacement value for insurance
Understanding Karat
- 24k (Pure Gold): 100% pure gold, softest and most valuable
- 22k: 91.7% pure gold, commonly used in high-end jewelry
- 18k: 75% pure gold, popular for fine jewelry
- 14k: 58.3% pure gold, most common in the U.S.
- 10k: 41.7% pure gold, minimum legal karat in the U.S.
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Quick Calculation: Instantly calculate gold melt value
- ✅ Multiple Units: Supports grams, ounces, and troy ounces
- ✅ All Karats: Calculate for any karat purity
- ✅ Current Prices: Use current market gold prices
- ✅ 100% Free: No registration or payment required
Tips for Selling Gold
- Know Your Karat: Check jewelry stamps/hallmarks for karat markings
- Weigh Accurately: Use a jewelry scale for precise weight
- Check Current Prices: Gold prices change daily - check current market rates
- Compare Buyers: Get quotes from multiple buyers before selling
- Understand Fees: Buyers typically pay 70-90% of melt value
- Consider Sentimental Value: Melt value doesn't include craftsmanship or sentimental value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gold melt value?
Gold melt value is the value of the pure gold content in a gold item, calculated based on weight, purity (karat), and current gold market price. It's what gold buyers and refiners typically pay for gold (minus their fees and processing costs).
How do I find the karat of my gold?
Karat is usually stamped or hallmarked on gold jewelry. Look for markings like "24k", "18k", "14k", "10k", or "750" (18k), "585" (14k), "417" (10k). If unmarked, you may need a gold testing kit or professional appraisal.
Will I get the full melt value when selling?
No, you typically won't get the full melt value. Gold buyers and refiners typically pay 70-90% of melt value due to their fees, processing costs, and profit margins. Premium or collectible items may command higher prices.
What's the difference between melt value and retail value?
Melt value is the value of the gold content only. Retail value includes craftsmanship, design, brand, and markup. Jewelry typically sells for 2-5x its melt value at retail, but you'll receive much less (melt value) when selling to a buyer.
How often do gold prices change?
Gold prices change continuously throughout trading hours. Prices are affected by economic conditions, inflation, currency values, and market demand. Check current market prices from reputable sources before calculating melt value.
Should I sell gold jewelry for melt value?
Consider selling for melt value if the jewelry has no sentimental value, is broken, or you need cash. However, if the jewelry is valuable, in good condition, or has sentimental value, you might get more selling it as jewelry or keeping it. Always get multiple quotes before selling.