How the price with making charge and VAT is calculated
Gold value = weight × today's gram price for the karat. Making charge = weight × making per gram. On jewellery, 15% VAT is added to their sum. All-in price per gram = total ÷ weight.
Gold price with making charge and VAT
Enter the weight, karat and the making charge per gram the shop quotes to see the final price before you buy: gold value at today's price, making charge, VAT and the all-in price per gram.
Gold gram price today with VAT, before making charge
| Karat | Raw | With 15% VAT (jewelry) |
|---|---|---|
| Karat 24 | 489.42 SAR | 562.84 SAR |
| Karat 22 | 448.64 SAR | 515.94 SAR |
| Karat 21 | 428.25 SAR | 492.48 SAR |
| Karat 18 | 367.07 SAR | 422.13 SAR |
Add the making charge per gram × 1.15: every 10 SAR of making per gram adds 11.50 SAR including VAT. Investment bars of 99% purity or higher carry no VAT. Updated:
Example: 10 g of 21K
With 21K at 350 SAR per gram raw and a making charge of 30 SAR per gram: gold 3,500, making 300, subtotal 3,800, VAT 570, total 4,370 SAR, or 437 SAR per gram. Illustrative figures; the calculator uses today's price.
Why we do not quote a "typical" making charge
Making charges vary by shop and design and no official body publishes ranges, so the calculator asks for the figure the shop quoted you. Get quotes in writing per gram and compare shops.
When is VAT zero?
Under Article 36 of the VAT Implementing Regulations, supplies of investment metals, including gold of 99% purity or higher tradeable on the global bullion market, are zero-rated. Jewellery, including 21K and 18K, is taxed at 15%.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of 21K gold per gram with making charge and VAT?
It is (today's raw 21K gram price + making per gram) × 1.15. The table above shows the live raw price and the price with VAT before making; every 10 SAR of making per gram adds 11.50 SAR including VAT.
Is VAT charged on the making charge only?
No, 15% VAT applies to the full jewellery price: gold value and making charge together.
Is there VAT on gold bars?
Investment bars and coins of 99% purity or higher, tradeable on the global bullion market, are zero-rated. Jewellery, even 24K, is not an investment metal.
How do I find the making charge on an old invoice?
Use the reverse making charge calculator: enter the weight, karat and final invoice price to get the making charge per gram.
Why does the shop price differ from the calculator?
The shop may price gold close to, not exactly at, the global price shown here, and margins vary by design. The calculator is an estimate from your inputs and today's price.