How Much Is My Gold Worth?
Calculate your gold's melt value, understand what buyers pay, and sell with confidence.
Current gold spot price: $4,412.89/ozt · Last updated: 8/11/2026, 4:51:42 AM
Gold Melt Value Calculator
Prices last updated: 8/11/2026, 4:51:42 AM
Dealers typically pay 70–95% of melt. Enter the rate you were quoted.
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How to Figure Out What Your Gold Is Worth
- 1
Weigh Your Gold
Use a digital scale that measures to at least 0.1 gram. If you only have a kitchen scale, weigh in grams — it is more precise than ounces for small items. Remove any non-gold parts (clasps, stones) if possible, or weigh them separately and subtract. If you cannot remove stones, note that the buyer may deduct for them.
- 2
Find the Karat Stamp
Look for a small stamp on the inside of rings, the clasp of chains, or the post of earrings. Common stamps: "999" or "24K" for 24K gold, "916" or "22K" for 22K, "750" or "18K" for 18K, "585" or "14K" for 14K, and "417" or "10K" for 10K. If there is no stamp, a jeweler or dealer can test the purity in minutes with an acid test or XRF scanner — usually at no cost.
- 3
Use the Calculator
Enter your gold's weight and select the karat in the calculator above. The calculator multiplies the weight by the purity and the current spot price to give you the melt value. This is the maximum your gold is worth in raw metal terms — no buyer will pay 100% because they need to cover refining, testing, and profit.
- 4
Expect 70–90% of Melt from Buyers
Dealers pay a percentage of melt value, not the full amount. The percentage varies by buyer type: pawn shops often pay 40–70%, local jewelers 75–90%, mail-in buyers 70–85%, and refiners 85–95%. Enter the payout percentage you were quoted in the calculator to see your estimated cash offer. Always get quotes from at least three buyers before selling.
Compare Your Selling Options
| Buyer Type | Typical Payout | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Jeweler | 75–90% of melt | Face-to-face, fast payment, may offer more for designer pieces | May not buy small quantities, varies by store |
| Pawn Shop | 40–70% of melt | Instant cash, convenient, no shipping | Lowest payouts, high pressure to accept first offer |
| Mail-In Buyer | 70–85% of melt | Free shipping kit, insured, easy for large quantities | Must wait for payment, must trust the buyer, shipping risk |
| Refiner / Coin Dealer | 85–95% of melt | Highest payouts, best for large lots and coins | May require minimum quantity, fewer locations |
Payout ranges are typical but not guaranteed. Your actual offer depends on quantity, gold purity, current spot price, and the specific buyer. Always compare multiple offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my gold worth?
Your gold is worth its melt value — the pure gold content multiplied by the current spot price. To find it, weigh your gold, identify the karat (10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K), and use the calculator on this page. The melt value is the maximum a dealer would pay before taking their margin.
How much will a dealer actually pay me?
Dealers typically pay 70–90% of melt value. Pawn shops may pay as little as 40–70%, while refiners and coin dealers often pay 85–95%. The percentage depends on the quantity, the buyer business model, and how easily the gold can be verified and resold.
Should I sell my gold jewelry or keep it?
That depends on whether the jewelry has value beyond its gold content. Designer pieces, antique jewelry, and items with significant gemstones may be worth more sold intact. If the piece is broken, out of style, or has no resale value, selling for melt is usually the best option.
What is the difference between melt value and resale value?
Melt value is the raw worth of the gold content if the item were melted down. Resale value is what a buyer would pay to resell the piece as jewelry, which can be higher for designer or antique pieces. For most scrap gold — broken chains, single earrings, class rings — melt value is the relevant measure.
Do I need to remove stones before selling gold?
Most gold buyers do not pay for gemstones and may deduct a small amount for removal. If your jewelry has diamonds or other valuable stones, ask the buyer whether they will remove and return them, or sell the piece through a jeweler who values the stones separately.
Related Selling Guides
Further Reading
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