Understanding Gold Purity: 24K vs 22K vs 18K โ Which to Buy?
Gold purity varies from 24K (99.9% pure) to 10K (41.7% pure), affecting both price and durability. Understanding karat purity helps you make informed decisions when buying jewelry or investment-grade gold.
Ready to run the numbers?
Why: Many buyers don't realize how much the karat affects both price and gold content. A 22K piece has 8.4% less gold than 24K, which matters for both the purchase price and resale value.
How: We calculate the gold content by converting karat to purity percentage, then multiply by weight to get pure gold content. We apply the current market price to show the gold value and compare across karat levels.
Run the calculator when you are ready.
Gold Details
Value by Karat
Gold vs Alloy Content
โ๏ธ Melt Value vs Retail Price
๐ฌ Quick Purity Test Guide
Purity Comparison Visual
๐ Calculation Breakdown
For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.
Answer Capsule
Gold purity = (Karat รท 24) ร 100%. 24K = 100% pure, 22K = 91.67%, 18K = 75%, 14K = 58.33%. Value = Pure gold weight ร 24K price per gram. Compare jewelers by pure gold per gram.
1. Key Takeaways
- โข 24K = 100% pure gold (24/24). Soft, used for bars and coins.
- โข 22K = 91.67% pure. Standard for Indian jewelry, wedding gold.
- โข 18K = 75% pure. Common for diamond settings, durable.
- โข 14K = 58.33% pure. Popular for everyday wear, stronger.
- โข Purity % = (Karat รท 24) ร 100. Value = Pure Gold ร 24K price/g.
2. Did You Know?
India
2nd largest gold consumer; 22K bridal standard
K vs ct
Karat = purity; carat = gem weight
24K soft
Alloys (Cu, Ag, Zn) add strength for jewelry
12.5% + 3%
India import duty + GST on jewelry
BIS 916
22K hallmark = 91.6% pure
Compare/g
Always compare per gram pure gold
3. How It Works
Karat measures purity: 24 parts total. Purity % = (Karat รท 24) ร 100. Pure Gold Content = Weight ร (Karat/24). Gold Value = Pure Gold ร 24K price per gram.
Inputs
Weight (g), karat, 24K price per gram, currency
Outputs
Purity %, pure gold content (g), gold value, price/g at karat
4. Expert Tips
Check hallmark
BIS certifies purity. 22K shows 916.
Compare by pure gold
Per gram of pure gold, not total weight.
24K for bars
Jewelry uses 22K/18K for durability.
Market rates
Use current 24K rate; prices fluctuate.
5. Comparison Table
| Karat | Purity % | Use | Typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 100% | Bars, coins | Soft |
| 22K | 91.67% | Indian bridal | Standard |
| 18K | 75% | Diamond settings | Durable |
| 14K | 58.33% | Everyday wear | Strong |
6. FAQ
22K is 91.67% pure (22/24). Standard for Indian bridal jewelry, balance of purity and durability.
24K is 100% pure but very soft. Best for bars, coins. Jewelry usually 22K or 18K.
Value = (Weight ร Karat/24) ร 24K price per gram. Use current market rate.
10K = 41.67% pure. Common in US for budget jewelry.
7. Quick Stats
24K
100% pure
22K
91.67%
18K
75%
14K
58.33%
8. Sources
9. Disclaimer
โ ๏ธ Warning: Gold prices fluctuate. Use current market rates. Estimation only. Verify with your jeweler before purchase.
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