Market Analysis • 2026-08-25

Gold Zakat Nisab by Karat: Exact Breakdown for 24k (85g), 22k (92.7g) & 21k (97.1g)

Understand the exact Islamic Gold Zakat Nisab thresholds for 2026. Why 85g of pure 24k gold equals 92.73g of 22k and 97.14g of 21k, plus 2.5% live monetary calculation.

Gold jewelry and bullion stacked next to an Islamic financial Zakat calculation ledger

Quick Answer: What is the Gold Zakat Nisab for 24k, 22k, and 21k?

Direct Answer: The classical Islamic Nisab for gold is 20 Mithqals (exactly 85 grams of pure 24k gold). When holding lower karat alloys, you must adjust the gram threshold so it contains 85 grams of pure gold: 24k Gold Nisab = 85.00 grams, 22k Gold Nisab = 92.73 grams (85 ÷ 0.916), and 21k Gold Nisab = 97.14 grams (85 ÷ 0.875). If your gold holdings meet or exceed these gram thresholds and have been held for one full lunar year (Hawl), you owe exactly 2.5% (1/40th) of the total current market value.

1. The Karat Conversion Equation for Gold Nisab

Because 21k and 22k gold contain alloy metals (copper/silver), possessing 85 grams of 21k jewelry does not mean you have reached the Nisab, as it only contains 85 × 0.875 = 74.375 grams of pure gold. To reach the 85g pure gold benchmark, your weight must meet these thresholds:

  • 24-Karat Gold (99.9% Pure): Nisab is exactly 85.00 Grams (or 7.288 Troy Ounces / 7.28 Tolas).
  • 22-Karat Gold (91.6% Pure): Nisab is exactly 92.73 Grams (85 ÷ 0.9166).
  • 21-Karat Gold (87.5% Pure): Nisab is exactly 97.14 Grams (85 ÷ 0.875).
  • 18-Karat Gold (75.0% Pure): Nisab is exactly 113.33 Grams (85 ÷ 0.750).

2. Step-by-Step Zakat Calculation Example

Suppose you possess 120 grams of 21k gold jewelry in Riyadh. Since 120g exceeds the 21k Nisab threshold (97.14g), Zakat is mandatory upon completing the 1-year Hawl:

3. Personal Jewelry vs. Investment Gold: Scholarly Rulings

There is a well-documented divergence among Islamic jurisprudence schools regarding personal wearable jewelry: The majority of classical scholars (Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) hold that personal jewelry within customary reasonable limits used for personal adornment is exempt from Zakat. However, the Hanafi school and many contemporary scholars advise paying Zakat on all gold holdings exceeding Nisab (including personal jewelry) to ensure absolute religious fulfillment. Pure investment bullion bars and coins are universally subject to Zakat across all schools of thought.

To calculate your exact payment instantly based on live second-by-second market prices, utilize our free Universal Gold Zakat Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 85g gold Nisab based on 24k or 21k?

The classical 85g Nisab is based on pure 24-karat gold. For 21k gold, you need 97.14 grams to equal 85 grams of pure gold.

What is the Nisab for 22k gold in grams?

The Nisab for 22-karat gold is 92.73 grams, which contains exactly 85 grams of pure 24k gold.

How much percentage is paid for Zakat on gold?

The mandatory Zakat rate on gold is exactly 2.5% (1/40th) of its total monetary market value once the Nisab threshold and 1-year Hawl are fulfilled.