Gold at record highs: what it means for your Zakat in 2026
Gold and silver have surged to historic levels in 2026 — which moves your Nisab threshold and the value of every gram you own. Last year's figures no longer apply.
As of mid-August 2026 gold trades near $4,400 per ounce (about $142 per gram) and silver above $65 per ounce (about $2.10 per gram). That lifts the gold Nisab to roughly $12,400 and the silver Nisab to roughly $1,286 in US dollars — and it means jewellery and bullion you already own are worth more, so the Zakat due on them is higher. Always revalue on your own Zakat date with a live price; never reuse last year's numbers.
A historic run for both metals.
Gold has spent 2026 setting records, trading around $4,400 per troy ounce in mid-August — roughly $142 per gram. Silver has climbed even faster in percentage terms, passing $65 per ounce, or about $2.10 per gram. Prices at these levels change two things at once for Zakat: where the Nisab line sits, and what your own metal is worth.
The figures in this post are a snapshot for illustration. On your Zakat date, look up a live per-gram price in your currency and use that — not what you read here, and not last year's number.
Both thresholds are higher than last year.
Nisab is a weight of metal — 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver — so its cash value rises with the market. At around $142 per gram, the gold Nisab works out near $12,400. At around $2.10 per gram, the silver Nisab sits near $1,286. The silver standard remains the lower threshold by a wide margin, which is why many scholars and charities recommend it: more people qualify, and more reaches those in need.
If your wealth hovered near the threshold last year, re-check it. A higher Nisab can move someone just below the line on the gold standard, while the silver standard still catches most savers.
Same grams, bigger valuation.
The other side of the record run: every gram of jewellery, coin or bar you already own is valued higher on your Zakat date. A necklace with 30 grams of fine gold that was worth about $3,150 when gold was $105 per gram is worth about $4,260 at $142. The weight did not change — the market did — and Zakat is calculated on market value, so the 2.5% due on it is larger too.
Ask a jeweller for purity and net gold weight if you don't have it, then multiply fine-gold grams by the current per-gram price. Rolling over last year's valuation understates your Zakat in a rising market.
Recalculate with today's numbers.
- Find a live per-gram price.
On your Zakat date, get the gold and silver price per gram in your reporting currency from a source you trust.
- Recompute your Nisab.
Gold: price × 87.48. Silver: price × 612.36. Compare your net wealth with the standard you follow.
- Revalue your metals.
Multiply the fine-metal grams you own by the current price — jewellery, coins and bars alike.
- Apply 2.5%.
If your net wealth meets Nisab, multiply the total by 2.5% and give it to eligible recipients.
High prices cut both ways. A higher gold price raises the gold Nisab, but it raises the value of what you hold even more often — for most people with gold, record prices mean more Zakat is due, not less.
Questions people ask.
How much is Nisab with gold at record highs?+
At roughly $142 per gram (about $4,400 per ounce), the gold Nisab of 87.48g is near $12,400. The silver Nisab of 612.36g, at about $2.10 per gram, is near $1,286. Both change daily — use a live price on your Zakat date.
Do I pay more Zakat on jewellery when gold prices rise?+
Yes, if your jewellery is Zakatable under the view you follow. Zakat is 2.5% of market value on your Zakat date, so the same grams produce a larger Zakat amount when the per-gram price is higher.
Should I use last year's gold price for this year's Zakat?+
No. Both the Nisab threshold and your asset valuations must use the price on your current Zakat date. In a fast-moving market, last year's figure can be off by 30% or more.
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