USA Gold Calculator: Gold Price Per Troy Oz and Gram in USD
Local gold reference
USA gold price and USD conversion at a glance
US gold prices are commonly quoted in US dollars (USD) per troy ounce, while jewelry is often weighed in grams or pennyweights. Use this calculator to estimate melt value by karat before comparing a buyer’s payout.
- 10K, 14K, and 18K are common US jewelry purities; 24K is typical for investment bullion.
- One troy ounce equals approximately 31.1035 grams; a pennyweight equals 1.555 grams.
- Retail replacement value, melt value, and a scrap buyer’s offer are different numbers.
91.6% pure gold. The South Asian & Gulf jewelry standard. Rich warm color with good durability.
Fetching live spot price…
Estimated Gold Value
-
Value per Gram
$0.00
Value per 10g
$0.00
Value per Tola
$0.00
Value per Vori
$0.00
Value per Troy Oz
$0.00
Transparent method
How this United States gold estimate works
The calculator converts an international spot reference into United States currency, adjusts it for your item’s weight and purity, and shows the estimated metal value before retail charges.
- 1. Local rateSpot price is converted into the selected local currency and weight unit.
- 2. Pure goldWeight is multiplied by the purity factor for the selected karat or fineness.
- 3. Real-world quoteMaking charges, tax, design premiums, and buyer deductions are kept separate.
Formula: estimated metal value = weight × purity factor × live price per gram of fine gold
About Gold in United States
Local Gold Weight Units
The US uses troy ounces as the standard gold weight for pricing, and grams and pennyweights for smaller measurements.
Troy Ounce
31.103g
Standard pricing unit
Pennyweight (dwt)
1.555g
Used by many US jewelers
Gram
1.000g
Universal
Common Gold Purity
14 karat (585) is the most common jewelry gold in the US. 18 karat is used for fine jewelry. 10 karat is the legal minimum to call gold jewelry in the US.
USA: The Global Gold Price Benchmark
The United States is the world's largest economy and a major gold market. Gold prices are quoted in US dollars per troy ounce - the global standard. The COMEX (Commodity Exchange) in New York, part of the CME Group, is the primary market for gold futures trading and price discovery.
The US gold spot price changes constantly during trading hours: Sunday evening through Friday afternoon, Eastern Time. The price represents the current market value for immediate delivery of one troy ounce of pure 24K gold.
Key US gold coins: the American Gold Eagle (22K, 91.67% pure) and the American Gold Buffalo (24K, 99.99% pure). Both are minted by the US Mint and recognized globally. The Eagle is the world's best-selling gold coin.
US Gold Tax: No Federal VAT, State Sales Tax Varies
The US has no federal VAT or nationwide sales tax, but each state sets its own rules:
| Category | Tax Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Investment bullion | 0% federal tax | Most states exempt. Some charge sales tax. |
| Jewelry | 0-9% state sales tax | Varies by state. Delaware, MT, NH, OR = 0% |
| Capital gains | 28% collectibles rate | Physical gold profits taxed at 28% max |
Best states for gold buying: Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon have 0% sales tax. California and Tennessee are among the highest at over 9%. For large purchases, consider buying in a zero-tax state or from online dealers who may not collect sales tax depending on state laws.
US Gold Purity: 10K Minimum, 14K Dominates
The US has distinct purity preferences compared to the rest of the world:
| Purity | Gold % | Used For | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10K (417) | 41.7% | Affordable jewelry, class rings | ~15% |
| 14K (585) | 58.5% | Standard everyday jewelry | ~75% (dominant) |
| 18K (750) | 75.0% | Fine jewelry, engagement rings | ~10% |
| 24K (999) | 99.9% | Investment coins only | N/A (not for jewelry) |
14K dominates with ~75% market share. It offers durability and a warm color at a moderate price. 10K is the legal minimum - anything below cannot be called "gold" in the US. 18K is considered luxury. 22K and 24K jewelry are virtually unavailable in mainstream US stores but found in ethnic shops serving South Asian and Middle Eastern communities.
Selling Scrap Gold in the USA: Where to Get the Best Price
The US scrap gold market is large and varied. Payouts range from 60% to 95% of melt value depending on where you sell:
| Buyer Type | Typical Payout | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local jeweler | 85-95% | Highest payout, can reuse gold |
| Pawn shop | 70-80% | Instant cash, lower payout |
| Mail-in buyer | 60-75% | Convenient, lowest payout |
| Online dealer | 80-90% | Competitive for large quantities |
Key tips: always get 3+ quotes, verify the buyer's scale in front of you, ask whether they're quoting per gram or per pennyweight (dwt), and use the KaratWorth Scrap Gold Calculator to know your exact melt value before walking in. Never accept below 70% without a clear explanation.
Local comparison guide
What to compare in the United States gold market
US gold markets commonly use troy ounces for bullion and grams or pennyweights for jewelry. Convert all quotes to the same unit before comparing a melt estimate with a retail or scrap offer.
Before comparing a quote
- Confirm whether the quoted weight is a troy ounce, gram, or pennyweight.
- Check the karat mark and calculate net gold content.
- Distinguish retail replacement value from melt value and a buyer's offer.
Useful questions to ask
- Is the buyer quoting on gross weight or net gold weight?
- Are stones, clasps, or other materials deducted before the offer?
Local Gold Market FAQs
Next tools and local guides
This is an estimate based on spot price. Actual buyer offers may vary based on market, fees, condition, purity verification, and dealer margin. Not financial advice, tax advice, religious advice, or an official offer to buy or sell precious metals. Always verify with a qualified professional before making important decisions.