Gold Weight Systems Around the World
5 February 2025
Gold weight systems vary by region
Gold is a universal asset, but how it's weighed and traded differs significantly around the world. Understanding these units helps when dealing in international gold markets or buying jewellery from different cultural traditions.
The Troy Ounce — The Global Standard
The troy ounce (31.1035 grams) is the international standard for quoting gold prices. When you see the gold spot price on financial news — e.g. "$3,200 per ounce" — that's always a troy ounce.
The troy ounce comes from the ancient French city of Troyes, which was a major trading centre in medieval Europe.
The Tola / Bori — South Asia
Used across Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and the Gulf states, the tola (known as Bori in Bangladesh) equals 11.66 grams. It's the most common unit in South Asian jewellery markets and is still used in everyday gold trading in UK cities with large South Asian communities.
The Tael — China & East Asia
In China, Hong Kong, and parts of Southeast Asia, the tael is commonly used. However, the value varies by region:
- Hong Kong tael = 37.429 grams
- Chinese tael = 50 grams
- Vietnamese chi = 3.75 grams (a sub-unit)
The Baht — Thailand
In Thailand, gold is traditionally measured in Baht, where 1 Baht of gold = 15.244 grams. Thai gold jewellery shops prominently display prices per Baht.
The Mithqal — Middle East
Across the Gulf states and wider Arab world, the mithqal (or miskal) = 4.68 grams is used, particularly for historical pricing. Modern Gulf markets often blend tola and gram pricing.
Why does this matter for UK buyers?
If you're buying gold in a UK market serving a specific diaspora community, the shop may use their community's traditional unit. Knowing the conversion prevents confusion and protects you from pricing mistakes.
Our Bori calculator handles the South Asian Bori/Tola standard, which is the most relevant for most UK gold market shoppers.