Gold Scrap Calculator
Estimate melt value and expected payout using live-style assumptions. Results are estimates only.
What this gold scrap calculator does
This tool helps you estimate how much your scrap gold might be worth before visiting a jeweler, refiner, or mail-in buyer. It converts your item weight into pure gold content, then applies spot price and payout terms to give a realistic estimate of what you may receive.
If you have broken chains, old rings, damaged bracelets, dental gold, or mixed jewelry lots, this is a practical way to set expectations and compare offers.
How the calculation works
1) Net weight
First, we subtract any non-gold material (like stones, spring inserts, or non-precious clasps) from total weight:
- Net weight (g) = total grams - non-gold grams
2) Fine gold content
Then we apply purity based on karat (or your custom assay):
- 24K = 99.9%
- 22K = 91.67%
- 18K = 75.0%
- 14K = 58.5%
- 10K = 41.7%
Fine gold grams = net weight × purity
3) Gross melt value
Gold is priced in troy ounces, so we convert grams to troy ounces:
- Troy oz = fine grams ÷ 31.1034768
- Gross melt value = troy oz × spot price
4) Estimated payout
Most buyers pay less than 100% of melt value to cover refining risk, overhead, and profit margin:
- Estimated payout = (gross melt × payout %) - flat fee
Why your actual offer can differ
Even with accurate math, real-world offers can vary. Common reasons include:
- Assay differences: Hallmarks are not always exact purity.
- Mixed lots: Different items in one batch may have different karats.
- Market timing: Spot price can change quickly during trading hours.
- Business model: Pawn shops, jewelers, and refiners use different payout structures.
- Minimum fees: Some buyers apply fixed fees or shipping/insurance deductions.
Tips to get a better payout for scrap gold
- Sort items by karat before requesting quotes.
- Remove obvious non-gold parts and weigh accurately.
- Ask for payout percentage in writing.
- Get at least 2–3 competing offers.
- Check the day’s spot price before selling.
Example scenario
Suppose you have 40 g of 14K scrap, 2 g of stones/clasps, spot at $2,050/oz, and a 90% payout:
- Net weight = 40 - 2 = 38 g
- Fine gold grams = 38 × 0.585 = 22.23 g
- Troy ounces = 22.23 ÷ 31.1034768 = 0.7147 oz
- Gross melt value = 0.7147 × $2,050 = $1,465.14
- Estimated payout at 90% = $1,318.63 (before any extra fee)
Final note
A good gold scrap calculator gives you negotiating power. Use it as a benchmark, not a guarantee. The best strategy is simple: know your numbers, compare buyers, and avoid selling when you are rushed.