Free Scrap Gold Calculator
Estimate the value of mixed scrap gold by combining up to six jewelry, coin or broken-gold lots with different weights and purities. Add a current gold price, recovery rate, buyer payout percentage and processing fee to compare theoretical metal value with a possible net offer.
Scrap Gold Calculator
Enter a current gold price and buyer terms, then add up to six scrap lots. Blank item rows are ignored.
| Item | Alloy weight | Purity | Fine gold | Theoretical value |
|---|
This calculator does not fetch or redistribute a live benchmark. Results exclude collectible value, gemstones and non-gold components. Plated, filled, hollow or mixed-material items require separate gold-content information.
Reviewed on 15 July 2026 using BIS hallmarking and assay references, World Gold Council carat information, NIST troy-unit tables, LBMA benchmark documentation, and current U.S. FTC jewelry guidance.
Scrap gold value starts with the fine-gold content inside each item, not the total mixed weight alone. This calculator lets you separate items by weight and purity, combine their theoretical values and then apply buyer-specific recovery, payout and flat-fee assumptions.
How the Scrap Gold Calculator Works
For each included item, the calculator converts weight to grams and multiplies by purity to find fine-gold content. It values every lot using the same normalized fine-gold price, adds the lots, applies the recovery and payout percentages in sequence, and subtracts the flat fee.
The calculator prevents a negative net result. If the entered flat fee exceeds the percentage-based payout, the displayed net estimate becomes zero.
Why Mixed Gold Should Be Calculated Separately
A 10-gram 22K chain and a 10-gram 14K ring do not contain the same amount of gold. Grouping both items under one assumed purity can materially overstate or understate value. Enter each karat group as a separate lot, even when a buyer weighs everything together.
| Gold grade | Purity used | Fine gold in 10 g |
|---|---|---|
| 24K / 999 | 99.9% | 9.990 g |
| 23K / 958 | 95.8% | 9.580 g |
| 22K / 916 | 91.6% | 9.160 g |
| 21K / 875 | 87.5% | 8.750 g |
| 20K / 833 | 83.3% | 8.330 g |
| 18K / 750 | 75.0% | 7.500 g |
| 14K / 585 | 58.5% | 5.850 g |
| 10K / 417 | 41.7% | 4.170 g |
| 9K / 375 | 37.5% | 3.750 g |
Worked Mixed Scrap Gold Example
Assume a fine-gold price of CU 100 per gram, one 10-gram 22K / 916 item and one 5-gram 18K / 750 item. The buyer uses 98% recovery, pays 90% of recoverable value and charges CU 10:
- 22K fine gold = 10 g × 91.6% = 9.16 g
- 18K fine gold = 5 g × 75% = 3.75 g
- Total fine gold = 12.91 g
- Theoretical scrap value = 12.91 g × CU 100 = CU 1,291.00
- After 98% recovery = CU 1,265.18
- 90% payout before fee = CU 1,138.66
- Estimated net after CU 10 fee = CU 1,128.66
This example is mathematical. It is not a current gold price, typical recovery rate or guaranteed buyer offer.
Solid Gold vs Gold-Plated and Gold-Filled Scrap
Do not select a solid-gold karat for the full weight of a plated, electroplated, gold-filled, rolled-gold or overlay item. These products combine a gold surface or layer with another material. U.S. FTC guidance distinguishes gold alloy throughout from plated, filled and coated products and requires qualifying descriptions of gold content.
To estimate these items, you need reliable information about the actual gold layer weight or overall gold percentage. A surface karat mark alone does not mean the entire item has that purity.
Use Net Eligible Weight
Remove or separately account for gemstones, enamel, steel springs, watch movements and known non-gold parts where practical. Ask the buyer whether stones and findings are removed before weighing and whether solder or mixed components affect the payable purity.
Recovery, Buyer Payout and Fees
Request a written breakdown and compare offers on the same gold-price timestamp, eligible weight and purity basis. A high advertised payout percentage may not produce the highest net amount when fees or weight deductions differ.
Coins and Collectible Gold
A gold coin may be worth more than scrap value because of rarity, mint, age, condition, certification or bullion premium. Check collectible or resale value before treating a coin, medal, antique item or branded jewelry as scrap.
Related Gold and Metal Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate scrap gold value?
Can I combine different gold karats?
What does 916 mean on scrap gold?
Does this calculator show a live scrap gold price?
Should gemstones be included in scrap gold weight?
Can I calculate gold-plated or gold-filled scrap as solid gold?
What does payable recovery percentage mean?
How does buyer payout percentage affect the result?
Should collectible gold coins be sold as scrap?
Is the calculated scrap gold payout guaranteed?
Reference Sources
- Bureau of Indian Standards – hallmarking grades and gold assay references
- World Gold Council – troy-ounce, carat and purity information
- NIST Handbook 44 Appendix C – troy weight conversions
- U.S. eCFR, 16 CFR Part 23 – FTC guidance on gold-alloy, plated, filled and coated descriptions
- LBMA – precious-metal benchmark description and licensing information
Disclaimer: This calculator and guide provide general educational estimates, not a live quote, assay result, professional appraisal, guaranteed recovery, dealer offer, investment recommendation or tax advice. Verify eligible weight, purity, current price, fees and buyer terms independently.