Gold Melt Value Calculator
A gold melt value calculator strips away everything subjective (brand, design, sentiment) and answers one question: what is the metal itself worth right now? For most secondhand gold with no collectible market, melt value effectively is the value.
This matters in two directions. Selling: melt is your negotiation floor. Buying: paying far above melt for a non-collectible piece means paying for retail markup you can't resell.
What 18K gold is worth right now
| Amount — 18K (.750) | Melt value now |
|---|---|
| 1 gram | $111.03 |
| 5 grams | $555.13 |
| 10 grams | $1,110.26 |
| 1 pennyweight (dwt) | $172.66 |
| 1 troy ounce | $3,453.30 |
| A typical ring (3–8 g) | $333.08 – $888.21 |
| A typical chain (10–25 g) | $1,110.26 – $2,775.65 |
| A pair of earrings (2–5 g) | $222.05 – $555.13 |
Computed from the live spot price on load; the printed figures are a 2026-08-23 snapshot. Item weights are typical ranges — weigh yours and use the calculator above for the exact number.
| Purity | Fineness | Value per gram | Value per troy oz |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K (.999 fine) | 0.999 | $147.89 | $4,599.80 |
| 22K (.9167) | 0.9167 | $135.70 | $4,220.85 |
| 18K (.750) | 0.75 | $111.03 | $3,453.30 |
| 14K (.5833) | 0.5833 | $86.35 | $2,685.75 |
| 10K (.4167) | 0.4167 | $61.69 | $1,918.65 |
| 9K (.375) | 0.375 | $55.51 | $1,726.65 |
Dollar figures here are computed from the live spot price when the page loads and change continuously; the printed baseline is a 2026-08-23 snapshot. Cite the metal content and formula, not a captured price. Formulas on the methodology page.
When an item is worth more than melt
Signed designer jewelry, pre-1933 US gold coins, and low-mintage bullion can carry premiums above metal value. If a coin might be collectible, check its date and mintmark against a price guide before treating it as scrap; even a worn common-date $20 Double Eagle carries a premium over melt. Our gold coin melt page lists the standard gold contents.
Sources: live spot prices via gold-api.com · coin weights and fineness from U.S. Mint historical specifications · karat/fineness definitions per standard jewelry marking practice. Melt value ≠ an offer to buy; see how we calculate.