Why Cash-for-Gold Offers Are Below the Spot Price
When you sell gold for cash, a pawn shop or gold buyer isn't paying the live spot rate — they're paying spot minus a margin that covers refining costs, testing, and their own profit. This calculator applies an adjustable estimate factor to the live per-gram price by karat, clearly labeled as an estimate, not a quote — actual buyer offers vary by karat, weight sold, and which buyer you use. Always get a second quote before selling, and ask whether the buyer tests purity in front of you.
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24K Gold
Stamped 24K
22K Gold
Stamped 22K
18K Gold
Stamped 18K
14K Gold
Stamped 14K
10K Gold
Stamped 10K
Main Calculator
All karats in one tool
Methodology
Data source & formula
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Pawn shops and gold buyers pay below the live spot price to cover refining costs and their margin. The exact discount varies by buyer, karat and the weight you're selling — this calculator shows an adjustable estimate, not a guaranteed quote.
Get quotes from at least two or three buyers (pawn shops, jewelers, and dedicated gold-buying services), ask them to test purity in front of you, and sell items separated by karat rather than as a mixed lot, since mixed-karat gold is often valued at the lowest karat present.
Often yes — dedicated gold-buying services and refiners sometimes pay closer to spot than a general pawn shop, since gold is their core business rather than a side category. Comparing at least one of each type before selling is worthwhile.