Gold Scrap Value Calculator
Scrap gold is worth its pure-gold content, not its stamped weight, because most jewelry is alloyed with other metals. This gold scrap value calculator works out that pure-gold value from three numbers: the total weight of the item in grams, its karat purity, and the current gold spot price per gram. It converts the karat to a purity fraction by dividing by 24, multiplies the weight by that fraction to find the grams of pure gold, then multiplies by the spot price to get the value. The spot price is left as an editable input because it moves constantly throughout each trading day, so you should enter the current figure when you calculate. The result is the metal value of the gold content only, and a buyer will typically pay a percentage below this to cover refining and profit. Every figure here is computed deterministically from your inputs, so the same item and price always return the same value. Enter your weight, karat, and spot price below to estimate what a scrap piece is worth, compare a buyer's offer to the underlying metal value, or value a drawer of broken jewelry, with a clear worked example that reconciles exactly to the calculator defaults.
Scrap value equals the weight times the karat purity (karat / 24) times the gold spot price per gram. 10 g of 14 karat gold at a 75.00 dollar spot price is worth 437.50 dollars in pure gold.
Gold scrap value formula
purity = karat / 24
pure gold grams = weight x purity
scrap value = pure gold grams x spot price per gram
weight in grams, spot price in currency per gram
Dividing the karat by 24 gives the purity fraction. Multiplying by the weight gives the grams of pure gold, and multiplying that by the spot price per gram gives the metal value of the gold content.
Worked example
Take a 10 gram item of 14 karat gold, with a gold spot price of 75 dollars per gram.
- Purity: 14 / 24 = 0.5833, or 58.33%
- Pure gold content: 10 x 0.5833 = 5.83 grams
- Scrap value: 5.83 grams x 75 = 437.50 dollars
The scrap value is 437.50 dollars in pure gold, which matches the calculator's default inputs exactly. A buyer typically pays below this to cover refining.
Gold Scrap Value Calculator: frequently asked questions
Where do I find the gold spot price per gram?
Major financial sites quote the gold spot price per troy ounce throughout each trading day. To get the price per gram, divide the per-ounce price by 31.1035, the number of grams in a troy ounce. Enter that per-gram figure in the calculator.
Will a buyer pay the full scrap value?
Usually not. The calculator shows the pure-gold metal value. A refiner or dealer pays a percentage of that value, keeping a margin to cover refining costs and profit, so expect an offer somewhat below the figure shown.
How do I weigh my gold?
Use an accurate scale that reads in grams. Separate items by karat before weighing, since mixing different purities together makes the calculation inaccurate. Remove non-gold parts such as stones, clasps of a different metal, or spring mechanisms where possible.
Does this work for any karat?
Yes. Enter the karat stamped on the item, and the calculator converts it to a purity fraction. Common values are 10, 14, 18, 22, and 24 karat. If a piece has no clear hallmark, a density or acid test can help estimate the karat first.
Is the value the same as resale value?
No. This is the scrap metal value of the gold content. A piece with design, brand, gemstones, or collectible value can be worth far more sold intact than melted, so only scrap items whose resale value is below their metal content.
Official sources
- Coin metal content and precious-metal specifications: US Mint. As at 25 June 2026.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 25 June 2026. See our methodology. This is general information, not financial, tax, legal or investment advice.