How Much Is a Gold Bar Worth?

Gold is trading at $2,790.40 per troy ounce as of October 29, 2024.

This means the standard 400 oz gold bar is worth $1,116,160.

Factors such as weight, purity, and market conditions determine a gold bar’s worth and influence its price. Gaining insight into this information will help you make a well-informed decision before investing your money into this asset. 

But understanding the actual value of a gold bar involves more than knowing its market price. Gold bars come in various sizes, including smaller bars—1 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kg—with their value determined by multiplying their weight by the current gold price.

How much is a bar of gold worth in U.S. dollars? 

Gold is a commodity that investors can trade (buy and sell) on an open market. You can think of the trading of gold much like how you buy or sell other types of investments, like stocks and bonds. The market price of gold changes daily, similar to how stock prices fluctuate. 

One of the most basic reasons you’ll see the price of gold fluctuate is because of changes in supply and demand. When the gold supply is lower than demand, you’ll generally see the gold price increase and vice versa. 

Some of the other reasons why you’ll see the value and price of gold increase or decrease are: 

• Market conditions: When economic or market conditions change, you might also see a change in the value of gold. Depending on how investors feel about the market, they might decide to hold more or less, which can lead to value changes. 
• U.S. currency values: While the U.S. currency is no longer backed by physical gold (though the U.S. still holds gold), its value can affect gold’s price. As the currency value changes, the amount of gold investors can buy with U.S. currency also changes, and, as a result, gold’s value can fluctuate.  
• Government reserves: Despite gold no longer backing U.S. currency or any other currency globally, reserves held by countries and associated entities, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), contain gold. The price of gold can move with changes in the sizes of these reserves.

While the specifications of gold bars vary, a standard gold bar weighs close to 27.5 pounds and measures about 7 inches by 3.625 inches by 1.75 inches. Gold bars made in the U.S. prior to the mid-1980s were often rectangular-shaped bricks. Now, they’re trapezoidal, the international standard. 

Even gold bars made in the U.S. before the mid-1980s can vary in shape, with some of these bricks having more rounded or squared sides and corners. If you’re curious about where a gold bar was made, there’s often a stamped seal you can use to identify its origin. 

The table below breaks down the worth of gold bars based on different weights and karats. The values in the table are approximate and based on a gold price of $1,950 per ounce, which can fluctuate.

Weight	24K gold	22K gold	18K gold
1 gram	$62.70	$57.60	$47.00
5 grams	$313.50	$288.00	$235.00
10 grams	$627.00	$576.00	$470.00
1 ounce (31.1g)	$1,950.00	$1,792.00	$1,462.00
1 lb (16 oz)	$31,200.00	$28,672.00	$23,392.00
5 lbs	$156,000.00	$143,360.00	$116,960.00
1 kg (2.2 lbs)	$62,700.00	$57,600.00	$47,000.00
20 lbs	$624,000.00	$573,440.00	$467,840.00
20 kg	$1,254,000.00	$1,152,000.00	$940,000.00
400 oz	$780,000.00	$716,800.00	$584,800.00

A few notes to be aware of:

• Per ounce/lb: The price of gold per ounce and pound is consistent, but the total value scales with the weight of the gold bar.
• Per gram/kg: Smaller bars (grams) are common in consumer markets, while larger bars (kilograms) are more often used in institutional investments.
• Per karat: The value decreases as the karat rating decreases because the purity of the gold is lower (24K is pure gold; 18K is 75% gold).

How to calculate what 1 gold bar is worth

To determine the value of a gold bar, you need to know two critical pieces of information: its weight and purity. 

• Weight: Gold bars are typically measured in troy ounces, with the most common size being one troy ounce (31.1 grams). 
• Purity: Purity, on the other hand, is often expressed in karats or as a percentage based on its fineness (e.g., 18 karats or 75% purity).

Once you have the weight and purity of the gold bar, you can calculate its value by multiplying these factors by the current market price of gold per troy ounce. 

For instance, if you have a one-ounce gold bar with a purity of 18 karats, and the market price of gold is $1,950 per troy ounce, the value of your gold bar would be $1,950 multiplied by the 75% fineness of the bar, which equals approximately $1,462.

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How much does a gold bar cost?

The cost of a gold bar can differ from its calculated market value for several reasons. While the bar’s value is based on its weight, purity, and the current market price of gold, the actual price you pay for it will often include additional fees, like dealer markups or premiums. 

According to information shared by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the markup on bullion, including gold bars, can range between 5% and 10% above the market price of gold, depending on how and where you buy it.. 

You might also pay a premium for factors such as the gold bar’s size, producer, and whether it was part of a limited edition or special production run. Pay attention to extra costs for these types of things, especially if you’re not a collector and are concerned with the gold, not any special features.

Where can I see how much a gold bar is worth today?

If you’re looking to track the current value of a gold bar, several reliable resources are available online. The World Gold Council is a helpful resource that offers insights into the gold market and price trends. It provides various resources that may be helpful to investors. 

A few other sources you can use to track the market value of gold are:

• CME Group: This is a go-to resource for up-to-date gold futures prices, articles, reports, and analyses.
• APMEX: A trusted site that provides real-time gold spot prices, market updates, and investment resources.
• KITCO: Known for its live gold prices, KITCO also offers comprehensive market data, historical price charts, and expert commentary.
• BullionVault: This platform provides live gold prices, in-depth market analysis, and tools for buying and selling gold, making it a valuable investor resource.
• Monex Precious Metals: A well-established dealer offering gold prices, market updates, and investment resources.

There are many places to get information about gold prices. Make sure you choose reputable sources and evaluate them regularly, as prices fluctuate constantly. 

FAQ

How much does a gold bar weigh?

A standard gold bar, known as a “Good Delivery” bar, typically weighs 400 troy ounces, which is about 27.4 pounds or 12.4 kilograms. The actual value of a gold bar depends on the current market price of gold. 

What is the best way to invest in gold bars?

To invest in gold bars, you can purchase them from reputable dealers online or in person. It’s important to research and choose a trusted dealer to ensure the authenticity and quality of the gold bars. Once purchased, you can store them in a safe deposit box or a professional vault to protect your investment.

What is the difference between bullion and bars?

Gold bullion refers to gold in its physical form, often as bars or coins, valued based on its weight and purity. Bullion is a common way to invest in gold, and many purchase it for its intrinsic value rather than for numismatic or collectible reasons.

How should I store my gold bars?

Secure storage of your gold investment is crucial. Options include a home safe, a safe-deposit box at a bank, or a professional storage facility specializing in precious metals. For larger investments or if you have a gold IRA, use a secure, insured storage facility approved for precious metals.

Beware of cost and fees! These can be enormous over time and erode gains.

Kyle Ryan

CFP®

Is it a good time to buy gold bars now?

Whether it’s a good time to buy gold depends on market conditions, economic factors, and your financial goals. Many consider gold a safe-haven asset, especially during economic uncertainty or inflation. However, monitoring gold prices and market trends and considering your investment timeline and risk tolerance before buying is essential.