Scrap Calculator
Scrap Calculator
Powered by real-time market data — updated continuously for accuracy.
How It Works
Calculating the payouts for your unwanted gold, silver, or platinum jewelry and bullion shouldn’t be a guessing game. Our intuitive scrap metal calculator streamlines the entire process, converting raw technical data into an accurate valuation in just a few clicks.
Here is exactly how our step-by-step process works to give you a transparent, real-time estimate:
Step 1 — Select Your Precious Metal
Begin by choosing the primary metal category of the items you wish to value. Market spot prices vary drastically between metal types, so isolating the specific asset class ensures accurate baseline pricing.
- Gold: Includes jewelry, broken chains, dental gold, and gold coins.
- Silver: Includes sterling silverware, flatware, rounds, and 90% junk silver coinage.
- Platinum: Includes luxury bridal jewelry, industrial scrap, and sovereign platinum coins.
Step 2 — Specify the Precise Purity
Precious metal items are rarely 100% pure; they are typically alloyed with base metals like copper, nickel, or zinc to increase durability. To determine the exact melt value, you must select the purity hallmark that matches the stamp on your item:
- Gold Purity Range: Select from 8K (33.3% pure) up to 24K (99.9% pure). Common jewelry hallmarks include 10K, 14K, and 18K.
- Silver Purity Range: Select from Sterling Silver (.925) commonly found in tableware, up to Fine Silver (.999) found in investment-grade rounds and bars.
- Platinum Purity Range: Select standard jewelry grades such as PT900 (90% pure) or PT950 (95% pure) up to Fine Platinum (.999).
Pro Tip: Look for tiny stamped engravings (hallmarks) on your items—such as inside a ring band or near a chain clasp—to identify the correct karat or purity percentage.
Step 3 — Enter the Total Weight
Input the exact weight of your scrap metal. For the most precise estimation, we recommend using a digital pocket scale.
- Flexible Weight Units: Enter your weight directly in Grams (g) or convert from Troy Ounces (ozt).
- Isolate Your Metal: For an accurate quote, ensure you only weigh the precious metal component. Remember to subtract the weight of any heavy gemstone inserts, watch movements, or non-metal findings before entering your final number.
Step 4 — Receive Your Instant, Transparent Valuation
Once your data is entered, our backend software automatically pairs your specific purity and weight against live, up-to-the-minute global spot prices.
Unlike other online tools that show you the raw market price without context, our calculator applies our standard, competitive payout percentage upfront. The final number you see is a realistic, honest reflection of what your items are worth.
- Zero Hidden Fees: The price calculated is the price you can expect—no hidden refining fees or surprise deductions.
- Live Market Integration: As global commodity markets move, our calculator moves with them, ensuring you never rely on outdated pricing charts.
Our Scrap Buy Formula
We use industry-standard calculations to ensure fair and transparent pricing for all precious metals.
Core Formula
We calculate your value using the following formula:
👉 Scrap Value = Weight × Purity × Spot Price × Payout %
Formula Breakdown
1. Weight
The total mass of your item (in grams).
2. Purity
The percentage of pure metal content:
- 24K Gold = 100%
- 18K Gold = 75%
- 14K Gold = 58.5%
- Silver & Platinum = typically 99.9%
3. Spot Price
The current global market price of the metal, updated in real-time.
4. Payout Percentage
The percentage we pay based on market conditions and refining costs.
✔ Typical industry range: 80% – 98%
✔ Our rates are competitive and transparent
Example Calculation
For better understanding:
- 10g of 18K Gold
- Spot Price = $60/g
- Purity = 75%
- Payout = 90%
👉 Final Value = 10 × 0.75 × 60 × 0.90 = $405
We believe in full transparency — what you see in the calculator is how your value is determined.
