Converter

mass fraction / fineness · Jewelry / precious metals · Historical-modern

karat (gold purity)

exact
Record
M556
Definition quality
Standardized
Conversion mode
formula
Calculator
Formula-based

Definition

Karat value k corresponds nominally to k/24 gold by mass; 18K = 75% = 750 parts per thousand.

Reference value

karat (gold purity) converts through a formula rather than a simple multiplier.

History & use

The U.S. spelling 'karat' helps distinguish gold fineness from gemstone carat; British usage may spell both 'carat'.

Modern use

Modern use is context-dependent and varies by region or measurement system.

Sources & evidence

Related measurements

mass fraction / fineness · Precious metals / assay · Modern

Fineness in parts per thousand = pure precious metal mass / total alloy mass × 1000. 750 = 75% = 18K nominally.