What is zakat?
Zakat is an annual obligation in Islam: a Muslim whose wealth reaches a minimum threshold, the nisab, gives a portion of it to those in need. Zakat becomes due once that wealth has been held for one full lunar year (the hawl).
What is the nisab for gold?
The most widely used gold nisab is 85 grams of pure gold. In South Asia many scholars use 7.5 tola (about 87.48 grams), and Türkiye's Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) uses 80.18 grams. The difference comes from how historical units of weight are converted into grams. The calculator uses 85 g by default, and you can switch to the other standards.
Some scholars recommend using the silver nisab instead, because it is lower and so more people pay zakat. This calculator uses the gold nisab.
The rate: 2.5%
Zakat on gold and money is one fortieth, or 2.5%. Here is how the calculation works:
1. Value your gold at today's price, based on its pure gold content
2. Add your cash, bank balances and savings
3. Deduct debts that are currently due
4. If what remains is above the nisab, 2.5% of it is your zakat
For example, if your net zakatable wealth is $20,000 and that is above the nisab, the zakat due is $500.
Why karat matters
Because the nisab is defined in pure gold, only the pure gold in your jewellery counts towards it. 100 grams of 22K jewellery contains about 91.6 grams of pure gold, and 100 grams of 18K contains 75 grams. The calculator handles this for every item automatically.
Is zakat due on jewellery I wear?
Scholars differ. In the Hanafi school, gold is zakatable whether it is a bar, a coin or jewellery. The Shafi'i, Maliki and Hanbali schools generally exempt jewellery that is worn regularly for personal use. If you are unsure, ask a scholar you trust.
When is zakat paid?
Zakat is due when a lunar year has passed on wealth above the nisab. Many people choose to pay during Ramadan, but it can be paid at any time of the year once it is due.