Published: 16 August 2025
The nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must have before being obligated to pay zakat. Knowing how to calculate it correctly is essential for fulfilling your obligation. Traditionally, the Prophet ﷺ set the nisab at the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver【910007841995390†L364-L369】. Many jurists round these figures to 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver for ease of calculation. If your net wealth stays above the nisab for one lunar year, you pay zakat at the standard rate of 2.5 %【910007841995390†L296-L318】.
To calculate your personal nisab in your local currency, follow these steps:
- Check the current market prices for one gram of gold and silver in your currency. You can find these rates online or via your jeweller.
- Multiply the gold price per gram by 85 (or 87.48) to get the gold‑based nisab. Multiply the silver price per gram by 595 (or 612.36) to get the silver‑based nisab.
- Compare the two values. The silver nisab is usually much lower because silver is cheaper per gram than gold. A lower threshold means more people become liable to pay zakat.
- Choose the basis recommended by your school of thought or your conscience. The Hanafi school uses the silver nisab to maximise benefit to the poor, while the Maliki, Shafi‘i, Hanbali and most Shia scholars prefer the gold basis. You can still pay based on the silver nisab if you wish to be more inclusive.
As an example, suppose gold is trading at $60 per gram and silver at $0.80 per gram. The gold nisab would be $60 × 85 = $5 100, whereas the silver nisab would be $0.80 × 595 = $476. Anyone whose net wealth is between these two amounts would not pay zakat if using the gold basis but would be liable if using the silver basis. Scholars encourage those who can afford it to use the lower threshold, as it benefits more recipients.
It’s also important to use a consistent basis each year and to consult a knowledgeable scholar for complex assets. Remember that your primary residence, personal clothing and basic household items are exempt from zakat. Only surplus wealth—including savings, investment shares, trade goods and certain rental income—is included in your calculation. Using a reputable zakat calculator can help you keep track of your assets and liabilities.
References: Investopedia – “Zakat: The Basic Rules”, Islamic Relief – “What are the types of zakat?”