Gold karat guide 9K to 24K
Every gold karat compared — purity, fineness, and what each is best for. Understand what 916, 750, and 375 mean, and how 22K, 18K, and 24K differ, so you can choose with confidence.
Gold karat comparison
Karat measures how many parts out of 24 are pure gold. Fineness states the same purity per thousand.
| Karat | Fineness | Gold % | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9K | 375 | 37.5% | Budget & export jewellery; durable, lower gold content |
| 14K | 585 | 58.5% | Daily-wear and Western-style jewellery; hard-wearing |
| 18K | 750 | 75.0% | Studded and diamond jewellery; balance of purity & strength |
| 20K | 833 | 83.3% | Regional and traditional ornaments |
| 22K | 916 | 91.6% | Standard Indian gold jewellery |
| 23K | 958 | 95.8% | High-purity ornaments |
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% | Coins, bars & investment gold |
Common karat comparisons
The pairs people compare most, side by side.
22K vs 24K gold
24K is pure gold (99.9%) — soft, bright, and ideal for coins and bars, but too soft for everyday jewellery. 22K (91.6%) alloys a little metal for durability, which is why it is the standard for Indian gold jewellery. For investment, choose 24K; for jewellery you wear, 22K.
18K vs 22K gold
22K (91.6%) has richer colour and higher gold content, preferred for traditional jewellery. 18K (75%) is harder and holds gemstones securely, so it is favoured for diamond and studded pieces. 18K is also more scratch-resistant for daily wear.
18K vs 24K gold
24K is pure but soft and cannot securely hold stones; 18K (75%) trades some purity for the strength jewellery needs. 24K suits investment; 18K suits wearable, especially studded, jewellery.
14K vs 18K gold
18K (75%) has more gold and a richer tone; 14K (58.5%) is harder and more affordable, common in Western and daily-wear designs. Choose 18K for a higher-gold look, 14K for durability and value.
9K vs 14K gold
9K (37.5%) has the least gold and is the most budget-friendly and hard-wearing, common in export markets. 14K (58.5%) has noticeably more gold and a warmer colour while staying durable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gold karat, fineness, and purity marks.
916 is the fineness of 22K gold — it means the article is 91.6% pure gold. Similarly, 750 marks 18K (75%) and 375 marks 9K (37.5%).
750 means 18K gold (75.0% pure) and 375 means 9K gold (37.5% pure). These millesimal fineness numbers state the parts of pure gold per thousand.
14K and 18K are best for daily wear because the added alloy makes them harder and more scratch-resistant. 22K is softer and better suited to occasional-wear traditional jewellery.
24K (99.9%) is very soft and bends or scratches easily, so it is rarely used for wearable jewellery. It is ideal for coins, bars, and investment gold. For jewellery, 22K or 18K is preferred.
24K is the highest, at 99.9% pure gold. Anything described as higher, such as '24K+', still refers to essentially pure gold; 24K is the practical maximum.
Want to confirm your gold's purity?
Have your gold assayed and hallmarked at a BIS-authorized Mumbai laboratory, or verify a certificate you already hold.