Gold karat (K) measures purity: 24K is 99.9% pure gold; 22K is 91.7% pure; 18K is 75% pure. The higher the karat, the more gold — but also the softer the metal. Choose your karat based on whether you are investing or wearing the piece.
Karat Purity Reference Table
Karat
Purity %
Fineness
Hallmark
Typical Use
24K
99.9%
999 / 999.9
999
Investment bars, coins, electronics
22K
91.7%
916
916
Bridal & traditional jewellery (South Asia, Middle East)
21K
87.5%
875
875
Arabian jewellery & Gulf markets
18K
75.0%
750
750
Western fine jewellery, diamond settings
14K
58.3%
585
585
Daily-wear rings, US & European fashion jewellery
10K
41.7%
417
417
Budget jewellery (US minimum legal "gold")
9K
37.5%
375
375
UK & Australia everyday jewellery
What Is Gold Karat?
The karat system divides gold into 24 parts. 24 karat (24K) means all 24 parts are gold — giving 99.9% purity. 22K means 22 parts gold and 2 parts alloy metals like copper, silver, or zinc — 91.67% purity. 18K is 18 parts gold, 6 parts alloy — 75% purity.
The word "karat" (abbreviated K or kt) should not be confused with "carat" (ct), which is a unit of weight for gemstones (1 carat = 0.2 grams). In the UK and some Commonwealth countries, gold purity may also be written as "carat" — same meaning, different spelling.
Karat vs. Fineness — What's the Difference?
Fineness expresses purity per 1,000 parts. The two systems convert directly:
24K = 999 or 999.9 fineness (often written as 999.9 on investment bars)
22K = 916 fineness (916 parts gold per 1,000)
21K = 875 fineness
18K = 750 fineness
14K = 585 fineness
Hallmarks stamped on jewellery use the fineness number — so a "916" stamp means 22K, and "750" means 18K. This is why you will see "916 gold" in UAE and Indian gold souk pricing.
Which Karat Is Best for Jewellery?
The answer depends on your market and purpose:
South Asia & Middle East — 22K (916) is the traditional standard for bridal jewellery. It has enough purity for a rich yellow colour while being durable enough for intricate craftsmanship.
Western markets — 18K (750) is the fine jewellery standard, preferred for diamond and gemstone settings due to its hardness. 14K is common for daily-wear fashion jewellery.
Investment — 24K (999) is the universal standard for gold bars and coins. It commands the narrowest buy-sell spread and the most transparent pricing.
How to Calculate Gold Value by Karat
To find the gold content value of any piece, multiply the 24K spot price per gram by the karat's purity fraction:
Value per gram = 24K price × (karat ÷ 24)
Example: If 24K gold is $135/g, then 1g of 22K gold contains 135 × (22/24) = 135 × 0.9167 = $123.75 of pure gold. Anything above this is making charges, profit margin, and retail premium.
24 karat (24K) gold is the purest form commercially available, containing 99.9% or 99.99% fine gold with minimal alloy. It is the international benchmark for investment bars, sovereign coins, and spot-price calculations. Because it is very soft, 24K is rarely used in everyday jewellery.
What is the difference between 22K and 24K gold?
22K gold contains 91.67% pure gold mixed with 8.33% alloy metals (copper, silver, or zinc), giving it the 916 hallmark. It is harder and more durable than 24K, making it the dominant standard for traditional bridal jewellery in India, Pakistan, the UAE, and Bangladesh. 24K is 99.9% pure and used mainly for investment bullion.
Is 18K gold real gold?
Yes. 18K gold is 75% pure gold — it carries the 750 hallmark. The remaining 25% is alloy, which adds durability and allows for white gold (with palladium or nickel) and rose gold (with copper) variations. 18K is the international fine jewellery standard and is widely used in diamond ring settings.
What does the 916 stamp on gold jewellery mean?
916 is the fineness hallmark for 22 karat gold, indicating that 916 parts per 1,000 are pure gold (91.6%). A 916 stamp is the quality certification for 22K jewellery in India, the UAE, and most South Asian and Gulf markets. Always verify this stamp inside the clasp or on the back of any piece.
Which karat gold is best for investment?
24K (999 or 999.9 fineness) gold is best for investment because it has the highest pure-gold content and commands the tightest buy-sell spreads. Investment bars and certified coins (Krugerrand, American Eagle, Maple Leaf) are produced to 24K or 22K standards and are the most liquid globally.
Can I calculate the gold value from karat?
Yes. Multiply the current 24K price per gram by the karat purity fraction. For example, if 24K gold is $135/g, then 22K gold is worth 135 × 0.9167 = $123.76/g. Use our gold price calculator for instant results across all karats.
