Gold Melt Value Calculator by Weight & Karat | 1Dollars

Free Gold Melt Value Calculator

Estimate the intrinsic metal value of gold from its net weight, karat or fineness and a current gold price you enter. The calculator separates theoretical melt value, recoverable fine-gold value, refining deductions and an estimated net settlement.

Gold Melt Value Calculator

Enter the net gold-alloy weight, purity and a current price. Optional recovery and deduction fields show how processing assumptions affect the theoretical value.

Exclude gemstones and known non-gold parts where possible.
Use 100% for theoretical melt value, or enter a documented recovery estimate.
Optional percentage deducted after the recoverable value is calculated.

This calculator does not fetch or redistribute a live benchmark price. Results exclude gemstones, collectible value, making charges, taxes, fixed assay fees, shipping and dealer terms unless represented by your inputs.

Reviewed on 15 July 2026 using BIS hallmarking and assay references, World Gold Council carat information, NIST troy-unit tables, and LBMA precious-metal benchmark documentation.

Gold melt value is an estimate of the recoverable gold content inside an item, priced at an appropriate fine-gold rate. It does not require you to physically melt the item. The calculation is based on net metal weight, tested or stated purity and a current price with a matching unit and purity basis.

Quick answer: Enter the net gold-alloy weight, select its karat or fineness, and add a current gold price. Keep recovery at 100% and deduction at 0% for theoretical melt value, or enter documented processing assumptions for a separate net estimate.

How the Gold Melt Value Calculator Works

The tool converts the item weight to grams and the quoted price to a fine-gold price per gram. It multiplies weight by purity to find theoretical pure-gold content, then prices that content. Recovery and processing deduction are applied only after the gross melt value is calculated.

Theoretical pure gold = net alloy weight × gold purity percentage
Gross melt value = theoretical pure-gold weight × fine-gold price per gram
Estimated net = gross melt value × recovery percentage × (1 − deduction percentage)

Gross Melt Value vs Recoverable Value

Theoretical pure-gold contentThe mathematical fine-gold weight based on entered alloy weight and purity.
Gross melt valueTheoretical pure-gold content multiplied by the normalized fine-gold price.
Recoverable valueGross melt value after applying the recovery percentage entered.
Net after deductionRecoverable value after the optional percentage deduction. Fixed fees are not included.

A buyer's cash offer can differ from every figure shown. Buyers may use their own assay, eligible weight, payable purity, recovery schedule, price timestamp, refining fee, minimum charge and business margin.

Gold Karat and Fineness Used

Gold gradePurity usedPure gold in 10 g of alloy
24K / 99999.9%9.990 g
23K / 95895.8%9.580 g
22K / 91691.6%9.160 g
21K / 87587.5%8.750 g
20K / 83383.3%8.330 g
18K / 75075.0%7.500 g
14K / 58558.5%5.850 g
10K / 41741.7%4.170 g
9K / 37537.5%3.750 g

Fineness states gold content in parts per thousand. BIS material for India includes grades such as 14K585, 18K750, 20K833, 22K916, 23K958, 24KS995 and 24KF999. Accepted grades and tolerances vary by jurisdiction.

Worked Gold Melt Value Example

Assume a 10-gram 22K / 916 gold-alloy item, a fine-gold price of CU 100 per gram, 98% recovery and a 2% refining deduction:

  • Theoretical pure gold = 10 g × 91.6% = 9.16 g
  • Gross melt value = 9.16 g × CU 100 = CU 916.00
  • Recovered fine gold = 9.16 g × 98% = 8.9768 g
  • Recoverable value = CU 916.00 × 98% = CU 897.68
  • Net after 2% deduction = CU 897.68 × 98% = CU 879.73

This example explains the sequence. It is not a current gold price, standard refinery rate or guaranteed offer.

Use Net Gold Weight, Not Total Jewelry Weight

Gemstones, enamel, steel springs, solder, non-gold findings and other components can make total jewelry weight higher than gold-alloy weight. If those parts cannot be removed or measured separately, the estimate may overstate melt value. Ask how a buyer determines eligible weight.

Hallmark Purity vs Assayed Purity

A hallmark or fineness stamp is useful evidence, but a transaction may depend on testing. BIS identifies IS 1418 as the fire-assay method for determining gold in bullion, alloys and jewelry or artefacts. Testing method, sampling and item construction can affect the buyer's payable result.

Do not damage an item only to test this estimate: collectible, antique, branded or wearable jewelry may be worth more intact than its metal content. Get an independent appraisal before destructive testing or melting.

What Gold Melt Value Does Not Include

  • Gemstone, diamond, collectible, historical or brand value
  • Original making charges, retail margin or taxes
  • Fixed assay, refining, shipping, insurance or minimum-lot fees
  • Currency conversion costs or a dealer's buy and sell spread
  • Future gold-price changes between estimate and settlement
Use a current permitted price: gold prices change and can differ by currency, market, product and timestamp. This page does not claim to provide a live benchmark. Confirm the unit and purity basis of the rate you enter.

Related Gold and Metal Tools

Gold Value Calculator Gold Price per Gram Calculator Scrap Gold Calculator Gold Purity Calculator Gold Weight Converter All Metals Calculators

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate gold melt value?
Convert the net gold-alloy weight to grams, multiply by the gold-purity percentage, and multiply the resulting fine-gold weight by the fine-gold price per gram. This calculator also handles price-unit and quoted-purity conversions.
Does gold need to be melted to calculate melt value?
No. Melt value is a mathematical estimate of intrinsic gold content. Physical melting is a processing step and should not be done solely to use this calculator.
How is 22K gold melt value calculated?
For 22K / 916, multiply eligible alloy weight by 0.916 to estimate fine-gold content. Multiply that fine-gold weight by the normalized fine-gold price.
Does the calculator provide a live gold price?
No. Enter a current rate from a source you are permitted to use. The calculator performs weight, purity, recovery and deduction calculations without fetching a benchmark feed.
What is one troy ounce of gold in grams?
The calculator uses 31.1034768 grams for one troy ounce. A precious-metals troy ounce is heavier than the everyday avoirdupois ounce.
Should gemstones be included in gold weight?
No. Use the net gold-alloy weight where possible. Gemstones and non-gold components can overstate pure-gold content if included in the entered weight.
What does gold recovery percentage mean?
It is the share of theoretical fine-gold content assumed to remain payable or recoverable after processing. Use 100% for theoretical melt value or enter a rate supported by the refinery or buyer's terms.
What is the refining deduction field?
It applies a percentage reduction after recoverable value is calculated. It does not include fixed fees, minimum charges, shipping or other costs unless you convert them into an equivalent percentage.
Is stamped purity always the same as assayed purity?
Not necessarily. A stamp or hallmark states a grade, while a buyer may test or assay the item. Solder, wear, mixed components, sampling and testing method can affect the payable result.
Is calculated gold melt value a guaranteed dealer offer?
No. It is an estimate based on your inputs. Actual settlement can differ because of eligible weight, assay, recovery, price timing, fees, taxes and dealer margin.

Reference Sources

Disclaimer: This calculator and guide provide general educational estimates, not a live quote, professional appraisal, assay result, guaranteed refinery recovery, dealer offer, investment recommendation or tax advice. Verify weight, purity, current price, recovery, fees and transaction terms independently.