Zakat on Gold: How to Calculate It (UK Guide 2026)
How to calculate Zakat on gold jewellery, coins, and bars in the UK. Covers the scholarly differences, current gold prices, and step-by-step calculation with examples.
Gold is one of the original Zakat-liable assets mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). But calculating Zakat on gold — especially jewellery — raises questions that UK Muslims frequently ask.
The Quick Answer
If you own 87.48 grams or more of gold (approximately £5,590 at March 2026 prices), you owe 2.5% of its total value as Zakat — provided you've held it for one lunar year.
Gold Nisab Threshold (2026)
| Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gold Nisab weight | 87.48 grams (7.5 tola) |
| Gold price per gram (March 2026) | ~£63.90 |
| Gold Nisab value | ~£5,590 |
| Zakat rate | 2.5% |
Note: Gold prices fluctuate daily. Check the current price at the time of your Zakat calculation. Use our Zakat Calculator for the latest figures.
What Gold is Zakatable?
Always Zakatable:
- Gold bars and bullion — investment gold is always subject to Zakat
- Gold coins — whether held as investment or collection (if intended for wealth storage)
- Gold in savings/investment accounts — gold ETFs, digital gold
The Jewellery Question:
This is where the four schools of Islamic jurisprudence differ:
| School | Ruling on Worn Jewellery |
|---|---|
| Hanafi | Zakatable — ALL gold is subject to Zakat regardless of use |
| Maliki | Exempt — jewellery worn regularly for personal adornment is not zakatable |
| Shafi'i | Exempt — personal jewellery worn within reasonable limits is not zakatable |
| Hanbali | Exempt — but excessive jewellery (beyond customary use) may be zakatable |
In the UK, the majority of Muslims follow the Hanafi school, which means all gold is zakatable — including wedding rings, necklaces, bangles, and earrings that are worn regularly.
If you follow one of the other schools, consult your local scholar for guidance specific to your situation.
How to Calculate Zakat on Gold: Step by Step
Step 1: Weigh Your Gold
You need to know the total weight in grams of all your gold. Options:
- Take jewellery to a jeweller — most will weigh it for free
- Use a digital kitchen scale (accurate to 0.1g)
- Check certificates of purchase for bars/coins
Step 2: Determine the Purity
- 24 carat = 99.9% pure gold
- 22 carat = 91.7% pure gold
- 18 carat = 75.0% pure gold
- 14 carat = 58.3% pure gold
- 9 carat = 37.5% pure gold
Zakat is on the pure gold content, not the total weight of the item.
Step 3: Calculate Pure Gold Weight
Pure gold (g) = Total weight (g) × Purity percentage
Example: A 22-carat bangle weighing 30g:
30g × 0.917 = 27.51g of pure gold
Step 4: Check Against Nisab
If your total pure gold weight is ≥ 87.48 grams, Zakat is due on the full amount.
Step 5: Calculate Value
Value = Pure gold weight (g) × Current gold price per gram
Step 6: Calculate Zakat
Zakat = Value × 2.5%
Worked Example
Fatima's gold holdings:
- 22-carat wedding set: 45g total
- 22-carat bangles (3): 90g total
- 18-carat earrings: 8g total
- 24-carat gold coin: 10g
Step 1: Calculate pure gold weight
- Wedding set: 45g × 0.917 = 41.27g
- Bangles: 90g × 0.917 = 82.53g
- Earrings: 8g × 0.750 = 6.00g
- Gold coin: 10g × 0.999 = 9.99g
Total pure gold: 139.79g (exceeds 87.48g Nisab)
Step 2: Calculate value
139.79g × £63.90/g = £8,932.58
Step 3: Calculate Zakat
£8,932.58 × 2.5% = £223.31
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay Zakat on my wedding ring?
If you follow the Hanafi school: yes. If you follow the Maliki, Shafi'i, or Hanbali school: generally no, as it's considered personal adornment within customary limits.
What if I can't afford to pay Zakat on my jewellery?
If all your wealth is tied up in jewellery and you don't have liquid cash to pay Zakat, some scholars permit selling a portion to fulfill the obligation. Others suggest you can pay gradually. Consult your local imam.
How do I value old gold jewellery?
Use the current market value of the gold content, not what you paid for the item. A bangle you bought for £500 might contain £800 worth of gold now (or £300). The Zakat is based on today's gold price.
What about gold-plated items?
Gold-plated items contain negligible gold. Only solid gold items are included in Zakat calculations.
Use our Zakat Calculator to work out your total including gold →
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