How much real gold is in 24, 22, 18 and 14 carat, what each one is used for, and how to work out the price of each from the 24K rate.
"Carat" (also written "karat", K or kt) tells you how much of a piece is pure gold. Pure gold is called 24 carat. Everything below 24 is gold mixed with other metals, usually copper, silver or zinc, to make it harder and change its colour.
The quick table
| Carat | Gold in it | Number on the hallmark | Mostly used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.5% or more | 995 (coins and bars are often marked 999) | Coins, bars, investment |
| 23K | 95.8% | 958 | Some traditional jewellery |
| 22K | 91.6% | 916 | Most Indian jewellery |
| 20K | 83.3% | 833 | Some regional jewellery |
| 18K | 75.0% | 750 | Diamond and stone jewellery, light designs |
| 14K | 58.5% | 585 | Everyday and fashion jewellery |
24 carat: almost pure
24K gold is 99.5% to 99.9% pure. On BIS-hallmarked items the 24 carat grade is shown as 995; coins and bars from refiners are often sold as 999. It has a deep yellow colour, but it is very soft: it bends and scratches easily. That is why it is used for coins and bars, which are meant to be stored, not worn every day. 24K coins usually have very low making charges, so more of your money goes into the gold itself.
22 carat: the jewellery standard
22K has 22 parts gold and 2 parts other metals, which works out to 91.6%. That is why you often hear "916 gold" at shops. It keeps the rich yellow colour but is strong enough for bangles, chains and necklaces worn for years. Most jewellery bought in India for weddings and festivals is 22K.
18 carat: for stones and fine designs
18K is 75% gold. Because it is harder, it holds diamonds and other stones firmly and allows thin, detailed designs. It comes in yellow, white and rose colours depending on the mix of metals. It costs less per gram than 22K.
How to work out each rate from 24K
These six grades (14K, 18K, 20K, 22K, 23K and 24K) are the ones in BIS's hallmarking standard for gold, IS 1417.
Shops and this site work out lower carats from the 24K price:
- 22K rate = 24K rate × 22 ÷ 24
- 18K rate = 24K rate × 18 ÷ 24
- 14K rate = 24K rate × 14 ÷ 24
Example: if 24K is ₹14,000 a gram, 22K is about ₹12,833 and 18K is ₹10,500. Our purity calculator does this for you with today's rate.
Which one should you buy?
- For wearing often: 22K for traditional pieces; 18K for diamond or stone-set pieces.
- For keeping as savings: many people prefer 24K coins or bars because of low making charges. Read ways to own gold for other options.
- When you sell: you get paid for the pure gold inside, so a 22K item gives back about 91.6% of its weight in 24K terms, minus the shop's deductions.
Check before you pay
The carat is only a promise until it is marked. Always look for the BIS hallmark with the purity number (for example 22K916) and a 6-character HUID. Our hallmark guide explains how to check it in under a minute.
Yellow, white and rose gold
The colour of gold jewellery depends on what is mixed with it:
- Yellow gold: gold with silver and copper. The higher the carat, the deeper the yellow.
- White gold: gold with white metals such as palladium or nickel, usually plated with rhodium for a bright white finish. The plating can wear and may need redoing.
- Rose gold: gold with more copper, giving a pink tone.
White and rose gold are usually 18K or 14K, because a lower gold share leaves room for the other metals that create the colour.
Common questions
Is "916 gold" the same as 22 carat?
Yes. 916 means 916 parts gold per 1,000, which is 22 carat.
Why is 24K jewellery rare?
It is too soft for most designs. Thin parts bend and stones come loose, so jewellers prefer 22K or 18K.
This guide is general information for buyers. Rules and tax rates can change; check with your jeweller, bank or a qualified adviser before big decisions.