To work out a gold price, start from the day’s 24 karat rate per tola. Divide by 11.6638 for the rate per gram, multiply the rate per 10 grams by 1.16638 to get a tola rate, and for jewellery multiply by karat ÷ 24. Then add the making charges. Gold value = weight × 24K rate × karat ÷ 24.
Our gold price calculator does all of this from the rate your jeweller gives you. It doesn’t fetch live prices, because rates change during the day and differ slightly between cities. Below is the method step by step, with an example rate.
Step 1: get the rate in the right unit
In Pakistan, gold is usually announced per tola of 24 karat gold, and also per 10 grams. One tola is 11.6638 grams, so:
- Rate per gram = rate per tola ÷ 11.6638
- Rate per tola = rate per 10 g × 1.16638
- Rate per 10 g = rate per tola ÷ 1.16638
Example rate only (not today’s price): if 24K gold were Rs 350,000 per tola, that would be Rs 300,074 per 10 grams and about Rs 30,007 per gram. For conversions between tola, masha, ratti and grams, use the tola to grams converter, or see our tola to gram guide.
Step 2: adjust for karat
Karat tells you how many parts out of 24 are gold. 24K is (nearly) pure; 22K is 22/24 = 91.7% gold; 21K is 87.5%; 18K is 75%. Most jewellery sold in Pakistan is 21 or 22 karat. Using the same example rate:
| Karat | Gold content | Price per tola (Rs) | Price per gram (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 100.0% | 350,000 | 30,007 |
| 22K | 91.7% | 320,833 | 27,507 |
| 21K | 87.5% | 306,250 | 26,256 |
| 18K | 75.0% | 262,500 | 22,506 |
Some markets quote a separate 22K or 21K rate. If your jeweller gives you one, use it directly instead of the karat formula; small differences are normal.
Step 3: add making charges (mazdoori)
Jewellery costs more than its gold value because of the work that goes into it. Making charges, often called mazdoori, are quoted in different ways:
- a percentage of the gold value (for example 8%),
- a fixed amount per tola or per gram,
- a fixed total for the piece, common for heavily designed sets.
Charges vary a lot by design, city and shop, so always ask how they are worked out and compare like with like. Stones, polish and lacquer may be charged separately.
Worked example
A set of bangles weighing 2.5 tola in 22K, with the example rate of Rs 350,000 per tola for 24K:
- 22K rate per tola = 350,000 × 22 ÷ 24 = Rs 320,833
- Gold value = 2.5 × 320,833 = Rs 802,083
- Making charges at 8% = Rs 64,167, so the total is Rs 866,250
- If instead the shop charged Rs 8,000 per tola, making would be 2.5 × 8,000 = Rs 20,000, and the total Rs 822,083
The weight in grams is 2.5 × 11.6638 = 29.16 g, which is worth checking on the receipt. Type these numbers into the gold price calculator with your own rate to see the result instantly.
Selling gold: deductions (khaad or katauti)
When you sell or exchange old jewellery, you usually get less than its gold value. Jewellers commonly take off a deduction, known in many markets as khaad or katauti, for impurity, solder, wear and testing. Making charges are generally not paid back, and stones are often not counted.
The deduction differs between shops and between new and old pieces, so ask before you agree. As an illustration only: if a shop deducted 10% from the bangles above, you would receive about Rs 721,875 against a gold value of Rs 802,083. Keeping your purchase receipt, and buying from a shop that offers a fair buy-back, helps.
Gold and zakat
If you own gold, it may be zakatable. The gold nisab is 7.5 tola (87.48 g), and zakat is 2.5% of the value. Scholars differ on whether personal jewellery is included and on which rate to use, so read our guide on zakat on gold jewellery and use the zakat calculator with the day’s selling rate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the price of 1 gram of gold?
Divide the 24K rate per tola by 11.6638, or the rate per 10 grams by 10. For 22K, multiply the result by 22 ÷ 24.
How do I convert the 10 gram gold rate to a tola rate?
Multiply the rate per 10 grams by 1.16638. To go from a tola rate back to 10 grams, divide by 1.16638.
What is the difference between 22K and 21K gold?
22K is 91.7% gold and 21K is 87.5% gold. So 21K costs about 4.5% less per tola than 22K at the same 24K rate, before making charges.
Where can I find today’s gold rate?
Ask a trusted jeweller or check the rate published by your city’s sarafa association. Rates change during the day, which is why our calculator lets you enter the rate yourself.