Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about gold calculation, precious metals, and our calculator tools.

General Questions

Our gold calculator provides highly accurate estimates based on current market prices and standard purity calculations. We update gold prices regularly to ensure the most accurate valuations possible. However, please note that actual prices offered by dealers or refiners may vary based on their specific terms, fees, and market conditions.

We source our gold prices from reliable market data providers that track spot prices on major exchanges. Our system updates these prices regularly throughout the trading day to reflect current market conditions. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, we recommend using our calculator during regular market hours.

Yes, all our calculator tools are completely free to use with no restrictions. We provide this service to help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about their precious metal transactions without any cost.

Gold Calculation Questions

Karats (K) are a traditional measure of gold purity, with 24K representing pure gold (99.9% pure). Each karat represents 1/24th of the total, so:

  • 24K gold = 99.9% pure gold
  • 22K gold = 91.7% pure gold
  • 18K gold = 75.0% pure gold
  • 14K gold = 58.3% pure gold
  • 10K gold = 41.7% pure gold

Purity percentage directly states the percentage of pure gold in an item. Our calculator automatically converts between these two measurements.

Our calculator supports multiple weight units:

  • Grams (g) - Metric measurement commonly used worldwide
  • Troy Ounces (oz) - Standard unit for precious metals (1 troy oz = 31.1035 grams)
  • Pennyweights (dwt) - Traditional jewelry measurement (1 dwt = 1.555 grams)

The calculator automatically converts between these units to provide accurate valuations regardless of your preferred measurement system.

Refining charges are fees associated with processing and extracting pure gold from scrap or mixed metal items. These charges typically include:

  • Refining Fee - A percentage of the gold value charged for the refining process
  • Treatment Charge - A flat fee for handling and processing the material
  • Accountability - The percentage of gold the refiner guarantees to recover (typically 98-99%)

Including these charges in your calculation provides a more realistic estimate of what you might receive when selling gold to a refiner or dealer. Our calculator allows you to factor in these charges for more accurate valuation.

Other Metals Questions

While the basic calculation principle is similar (weight × purity × price), there are some key differences:

  • Silver is typically measured in sterling (92.5% purity) or fine (99.9% purity) rather than karats
  • Platinum is usually found in high purity forms (95-99.95%) in jewelry and investment products
  • Market prices for these metals fluctuate independently of gold, often with different volatility patterns
  • Refining charges may differ for these metals compared to gold

Our calculator accounts for these differences to provide accurate valuations for each metal type.

Technical Questions

Yes, we offer several options for saving your calculation results:

  • Print - Use the print button to create a physical copy of your calculation
  • PDF Export - Save your calculation as a PDF file for digital storage or sharing
  • QR Code - Generate a QR code that contains your calculation details for easy access later

For batch calculations, you can also export your data as a CSV file or save it to your browser's local storage for future reference.

The basic calculator functionality will work offline once the page has been loaded, using the most recently cached gold price. However, for up-to-date prices and full functionality, an internet connection is recommended. Features like market charts and price updates require an active internet connection to display the most current data.

Still Have Questions?

If you couldn't find the answer you were looking for, please feel free to contact us.

Contact Us