How gold & silver melt value is calculated
Melt value is what the pure metal itself is worth, based only on its weight, purity and the current spot price — no brand, craftsmanship or collector value included. Multiply your item's weight by its purity to get the pure metal weight, convert that to troy ounces, then multiply by the spot price per troy ounce.
The formula
- Weight — total weight of the item in grams
- Purity — the fraction of pure metal, as a percentage
- 31.1035 — grams in one troy ounce, the unit spot prices are quoted in
- Spot price — the current market price per troy ounce
Common purity references
- Gold: 24k = 99.9%, 22k = 91.6%, 18k = 75%, 14k = 58.5%, 10k = 41.7%
- Silver: fine silver = 99.9%, sterling silver = 92.5%, coin silver = 90%
Where to buy or sell gold & silver bullion
Silver Gold Bull ships insured, tracked gold and silver coins, bars and rounds across the US and Canada, with pricing tied to the live spot price.
Shop gold & silver bullion →Partner offer — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Does this show today's exact spot price?
No — spot prices move throughout the trading day. Enter the current spot price from your preferred source and the melt value updates instantly.
Is melt value what a dealer will pay me?
Not exactly. Melt value is the value of the pure metal itself; dealers typically buy somewhat below spot to cover their margin, while jewelry can carry extra value from craftsmanship, brand or gemstones.
What purity should I enter for sterling silver?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver — enter 92.5 in the purity field.
Methodology and assumptions
- Instant browser math: results update from the inputs on this page and are not sent to an account.
- Next-step design: the score and action prompt are meant to help you compare scenarios and take one small practical step.