Walk into any South Asian jeweller in Birmingham, Bradford, or East London and you'll hear prices quoted in tolas — while the price tag might say grams. If you can't convert between the two instantly, you can't tell whether you're getting a fair deal. This guide fixes that, with a free converter to do the math for you.
1 tola = 11.6638 grams (memorise this)
The tola was standardised at 180 grains (11.6638038 grams) in 1833. Jewellers usually round it to 11.66g. Quick conversions:
| Tolas | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1 tola | 11.6638 g |
| 2 tola | 23.3276 g |
| 5 tola | 58.3190 g |
| 10 tola | 116.6380 g |
22k vs 24k: what UK buyers must know
24k gold is 99.9% pure — but it's soft, so it's rarely used for wearable jewellery. 22k (91.6% pure) is the standard for South Asian jewellery in the UK: strong enough for detailed designs, rich enough in colour. When comparing prices, always compare like with like — a per-gram price for 22k is not comparable to 24k.
Converting per-tola prices to per-gram
Jewellers quote per tola; your budget thinks per gram. The formula:
Per-gram price = Per-tola price ÷ 11.6638
Example: A jeweller quotes £700 per tola for 22k gold.
£700 ÷ 11.6638 = £60.02 per gram.
Now compare that £60.02/g against two other shops and you'll spot the overpriced one in seconds. Our tola converter has a built-in price converter — just type the per-tola price.
UK hallmarking: the law protects you
Under the UK Hallmarking Act 1973, it is illegal to sell gold items weighing 1 gram or more without a UK hallmark. The hallmark tells you the metal fineness (e.g. 916 for 22k, 750 for 18k) and which assay office tested it (London, Birmingham, Sheffield, or Edinburgh). Always check the hallmark before you pay — no hallmark, no purchase.
Making charges & wastage
The per-gram gold price isn't the final price. Jewellers add making charges (labour) and sometimes wastage (metal lost in crafting, typically 5–15% on intricate designs). Ask for the itemised breakdown: gold weight × rate, plus making, plus VAT. If a shop won't itemise, walk away.
Zakat on your gold
UK Muslims: gold you own may be subject to Zakat once it reaches the nisab (87.48g). Our free Zakat calculator handles the full calculation, and our step-by-step guide explains the method.
Common questions
How many grams is one tola of gold?
One tola equals 11.6638 grams. South Asian jewellers in the UK often quote prices per tola — divide by 11.6638 to get the per-gram price.
What is the difference between 22k and 24k gold?
24k gold is 99.9% pure; 22k is 91.6% pure (alloyed for strength). Most South Asian jewellery in the UK is 22k, since 24k is too soft for detailed designs.
Is hallmarking required for gold in the UK?
Yes. Under the UK Hallmarking Act 1973, selling gold items of 1 gram or more without a UK hallmark is illegal. Always verify the hallmark before buying.
How do I convert a per-tola gold price to per-gram?
Divide the per-tola price by 11.6638. Example: £700 per tola ÷ 11.6638 = £60.02 per gram. Our free converter does this automatically.
Note: Prices in examples are illustrative. Gold rates change daily — always confirm the live rate on the day you buy. This guide is for information only, not financial advice.