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Gold Price Explained: Spot Price, Karats & Value Factors
We often see a "gold price" quoted in the news — but what does that number actually mean, and why is the price offered for your gold jewellery different? This guide breaks down the basics of gold pricing in simple terms.
What is the gold price?
A quoted gold price is usually a benchmark price for pure (fine) gold at a given moment, expressed per troy ounce or per gram and in a specific currency. It reflects trading in the global gold market and changes throughout the day.
Spot price vs the price you actually get
The spot price is the current market price for immediate delivery of pure gold. The amount you receive when selling gold — or pay when buying it — is rarely the same as spot. Real-world prices include:
- Dealer margins and buy-sell spreads
- Refining, handling and assay costs
- Taxes and local levies
- Transaction and shipping fees
So a quoted benchmark price is a useful reference, not a guarantee of what any specific buyer will offer for your item.
Purity (karat) changes the value
Gold prices are quoted for pure gold. Most jewellery and coins are alloys — pure gold mixed with other metals — so their value depends on their purity:
| Karat | Approximate gold content |
|---|---|
| 24K | Approximately pure gold (99.9%) |
| 22K | Approximately 91.7% gold |
| 18K | 75% gold |
| 14K | Approximately 58.3% gold |
To value an item, multiply its weight by its gold purity, then multiply by the price per compatible weight unit. Our gold calculator does exactly this for you.
Weight units: gram vs troy ounce
Gold is weighed in grams and troy ounces. They are not the same as everyday (avoirdupois) ounces:
- 1 troy ounce = 31.1034768 grams
- 1 kilogram = 1000 grams
Always confirm which unit a quoted price refers to before comparing values. An apparent price difference between two quotes is often simply a unit conversion issue.
What factors affect gold prices?
- Supply and demand for physical and investment gold
- Central bank purchases and reserve policies
- Inflation expectations and interest rates
- Currency exchange rates (gold is traded in major currencies)
- Global economic and geopolitical uncertainty
- Mining output and production costs
These forces interact constantly, which is why the same quantity of gold can be worth a different amount from one day to the next.
Want to calculate your own estimate?
Use the GoldVault Pro gold calculator to estimate a value from weight, purity and price in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
Is the market price equal to the price I will receive for my gold?
Not necessarily. Market or spot prices and actual retail, dealer, transaction, refining, tax or other costs can differ. Calculator results should therefore be treated as estimates.
Why is gold quoted per troy ounce if I weigh jewellery in grams?
Troy ounce is the traditional unit used in the global gold market. To compare, convert: 1 troy ounce equals 31.1034768 grams.
Does higher karat always mean more value for the same weight?
Yes, for the underlying metal content — 24K contains more pure gold than 18K at the same weight. However, jewellery value may also include craftsmanship, brand and other factors.
This guide is educational and is not financial, investment, legal or tax advice. Gold prices change constantly; verify current figures with a reputable source before decisions. See our full disclaimer.
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