| Gold Karat | Purity Percentage | Rate Ratio (vs 24K) | Rate per Tola (Estimated) | Rate per Gram (Estimated) |
|---|
Understanding Gold Price Calculations in Pakistan
Gold trading in Pakistan combines traditional South Asian measurement units with modern metric systems. Rates in local bullion markets (such as Karachi Sarafa Market, Lahore Sarafa Market, and Rawalpindi Sarafa Market) are primarily quoted per Tola (11.6638 grams) or per 10 Grams for 24 Karat pure gold.
Pakistani Gold Weight Units Formula
Traditional sarafa markets measure gold using Tola, Masha, and Ratti according to these precise conversion standards:
- 1 Tola = 11.6638 Grams
- 1 Tola = 12 Masha
- 1 Masha = 8 Ratti = 0.9720 Grams
- 1 Tola = 96 Ratti
- 1 Ounce (troy) = 31.1035 Grams = 2.6659 Tolas
Gold Karat Purity Standards Explained
Gold karat ratings indicate the proportion of pure gold mixed with alloy metals like copper, silver, or zinc to enhance hardness and durability for jewelry manufacturing:
| Gold Karat | Gold Purity | Fineness (Parts per 1000) | Primary Usage in Pakistan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Karat (24K) | 99.9% Pure | 999 | Gold Bars, Biscuits, and Investment Coins |
| 22 Karat (22K) | 91.67% Pure | 916 | Bridal Gold Jewelry Sets & Traditional Ornaments |
| 21 Karat (21K) | 87.50% Pure | 875 | Rings, Chains, Bangle Sets, and Daily Wear |
| 18 Karat (18K) | 75.00% Pure | 750 | Diamond Jewelry & Modern Lightweight Designs |
How Jewellers Calculate Making Charges and Kaat (Wastage)
When purchasing gold jewelry in Pakistan, the final retail cost includes three distinct parts:
Net Gold Value: Weight of pure gold calculated at current market karat rates.
Making Charges (Craftsmanship Fee): Fixed fee per Tola or Gram paid to the artisan for crafting the design.
Kaat / Wastage: Percentage of gold added (typically 2% to 5%) to cover unrecoverable gold dust lost during melting, soldering, and polishing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many grams are in 1 Tola of gold in Pakistan?
In Pakistan’s traditional bullion market, 1 Tola equals exactly 11.6638 grams. Furthermore, 1 Tola consists of 12 Masha, and 1 Masha equals 8 Ratti (totaling 96 Ratti per Tola).
What is the difference between 24K, 22K, 21K, and 18K gold?
Gold karat indicates purity: 24K is 99.9% pure gold, 22K is 91.67% pure (commonly used for traditional Pakistani jewelry), 21K is 87.5% pure, and 18K is 75.0% pure gold blended with alloy metals for increased durability.
How are making charges (Kaat / Making) calculated in Pakistani gold markets?
Making charges represent craftsmanship fees charged by jewellers per Tola or per Gram, while wastage (Kaat) is a percentage added to cover raw gold lost during crafting and polishing.
How is Zakat calculated on gold in Pakistan?
Zakat is obligatory at 2.5% per annum on the net monetary value of gold owned if the total gold quantity equals or exceeds the Nisab threshold of 7.5 Tola (87.48 grams) held for one full lunar year.