Gold Scrap Calculator

Use this gold scrap calculator to estimate what broken, unwanted or mixed-karat gold may be worth. Enter each items weight and purity to compare its full melt value with an estimated buyer payout based on current scrap gold prices.

Current Scrap Gold Prices by Karat

Compare current scrap gold prices by karat using the latest available gold spot price. The table shows full melt value per gram and an estimated buyer payout based on the percentage selected.

How Scrap Gold Prices Are Calculated

Scrap gold valuation comes down to three core numbers: scale weight, karat purity, and the live market spot price. Remember that total scale weight doesn't equal pure gold—base alloy metals, gemstone settings, and steel clasp springs must be stripped or deducted from the calculation first.

1. Convert the Weight

Scale readings convert directly into grams or troy ounces. In precious metals, a troy ounce equals roughly 31.1 grams (heavier than a standard 28.3-gram kitchen ounce).

2. Apply the Karat Purity

Scale weight is adjusted for actual fineness. For instance, a 14K chain is 58.5% pure gold, while an 18K ring is 75% pure. The remaining percentage is alloy metal like copper, zinc, or silver.

3. Calculate the Melt Value

Multiply the pure gold weight by the current spot price. That gives you the item's baseline melt value—what the raw metal is worth melted into a puddle before any processing costs.

4. Factor in the Dealer Payout

Finally, dial in the buyer's cut. Scrap dealers, pawnshops, and refiners have to cover overhead and melt-loss, meaning they rarely pay 100% of melt. Payout offers usually sit between 70% and 90% of spot, which is what you can realistically expect to put in your pocket.

Scrap gold melt value

Weight in troy ounces × gold purity × spot price = melt value

Estimated buyer payout

Melt value × buyer payout percentage = estimated offer

Actual offers may vary after purity testing and deductions for stones, non-gold parts, refining expenses and the buyer’s operating costs. Compare multiple offers before selling valuable gold.

What Counts as Scrap Gold?

Scrap gold generally includes unwanted, damaged or incomplete gold items valued primarily for their recoverable metal content rather than their appearance, brand or collectible value.

Common Scrap Gold Items

• Broken gold chains and bracelets

• Damaged or unwanted rings

• Single earrings and incomplete sets

• Bent or broken gold jewelry

• Gold clasps, links and findings

• Unwanted charms and pendants

• Jewelry with missing stones

• Old gold watch cases without collectible value

Items Requiring Special Valuation

• Gold-plated jewelry

• Gold-filled or rolled-gold items

• Jewelry containing heavy stones

• Gold-tone items without verified gold content

• Collectible or rare gold coins

• Designer and antique jewelry

• Watches with resale or collector value

• Dental crowns, bridges and fillings

Do not calculate plated or gold-filled items as solid gold because most of their weight comes from another metal. Remove stones and non-gold components when practical, and group different karats separately. For crowns, bridges and fillings, use our Dental Gold Value Calculator, which accounts for the special uncertainty involved in dental alloys.

Gold Scrap Calculator FAQs:

How much is my scrap gold worth?

Scrap gold value depends on the item’s weight, verified purity and the current gold spot price. The calculator estimates both full melt value and a possible buyer payout, but an actual offer may differ.

How is the scrap gold price per gram calculated?

Divide the gold price per troy ounce by approximately 31.1035 to find the 24K price per gram. Multiply that amount by the item’s purity, such as 0.585 for 14K or 0.750 for 18K.

Why is the scrap gold price at a pawn shop lower than melt value?

Pawnshops and gold buyers may deduct testing, refining, transaction and operating costs. They also need room for profit and protection against changes in gold prices, so offers are commonly below full melt value.

Can I calculate several gold karats together?

Yes. Add each karat group as a separate batch in the gold scrap calculator. The tool calculates each group individually and then combines the melt values and estimated payouts.

Should I remove stones before weighing gold jewelry?

When possible, weigh only the gold portion. Stones, springs, clasps and other non-gold materials can increase the total weight and cause the calculator to overestimate the gold value.

Can I calculate white gold or rose gold?

Yes, provided the item is solid gold and its karat is known. Gold color comes from the metals mixed with the gold, but 14K white, yellow and rose gold all contain approximately the same percentage of gold.

How can I determine the purity of unmarked scrap gold?

Look for a karat or fineness stamp first. If the item is unmarked or questionable, professional acid testing, electronic testing or X-ray fluorescence testing may be needed before relying on a valuation.

Are gold-plated and gold-filled items considered scrap gold?

They may contain recoverable gold, but they should not be calculated as solid gold. The gold layer represents only a small portion of the item’s weight and requires a specialized recovery or valuation method.

Scrap Gold Calculator Disclaimer:

The gold scrap calculator provides informational estimates based on the entered weight, selected purity, buyer payout percentage and displayed or manually entered gold price. Results may differ from actual buyer offers, refinery payments or professional appraisals.

OnlineGoldCalculator.com does not buy gold and does not provide financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Confirm an item’s weight and purity, account for stones and non-gold components, and compare multiple offers before selling.