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Zakat Calculator

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What is zakat?What is nisab?Zakat calculator – how much zakat to payAssets subject to zakatHow to calculate zakat: Calculating it the right wayZakat calculation exampleFAQs

Our zakat calculator is a comprehensive tool that helps you determine your annual payable zakat. Anyone who gives zakat understands the significance of such a computation as it is obligatory to all eligible Muslims. The eligibility is of great importance and needs to be elaborated upon. You may consider this tool as a silver or gold zakat calculator since these two valuables become the base of calculations.

In this article, we will discuss "what is nisab?" and "how to calculate zakat." But we won't limit ourselves to that, as testing out some examples is always a good idea.

What is zakat?

Zakat is the obligation of an individual to donate a portion of their wealth each year to charitable causes. Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and is mandatory for all eligible Muslims.

People around the globe believe that zakat purifies the wealth of a person. In order to give zakat, it is compulsory that the person should be a Muslim. One's zakatable wealth rises to a minimum threshold called nisab. A lunar year must pass while one's zakatable wealth sustains the minimum threshold.

We also have a lunar age calculator, which lets you determine your age in the Chinese and Hijri calendar using the lunar time. Be sure to check it!.

What is nisab?

Nisab is the minimum amount of net wealth beyond which one must pay zakat. You are required to donate 2.5% of your total net worth to a charity for those in need. The amount of nisab set is equivalent to:

  • 87.48 grams or 7.5 tolas of gold; or
  • 612.36 grams or 52.5 tolas of silver.

You don't necessarily need to have gold or silver; you just need assets equivalent to or more than the abovementioned values.

Zakat calculator – how much zakat to pay

Our zakat calculator is a powerful and convenient tool that allows you to calculate zakat on your net worth based on the nisab value.

Nisab signifies the threshold value on which zakat is payable. And if your net worth is less than the nisab value, then you are not obligated to pay zakat but can still make charity donations as per your liking and budget.

Let's dive in and see how the calculator works.

You first need to select which of the two nisab options you are eligible for: 87.48 grams or 7.5 tolas of gold or 612.36 grams or 52.5 tolas of silver (so you can use silver or gold zakat calculator modes). Then, you must enter the rate per gram of the selected valuables according to your living area, as they have varying rates.

The following list specifies various categories of cash, whether you have it saved in a bank or at home. The loans you give out are also your asset, so make sure to include them. Remember, this does not include charity or help. So, in this section of the zakat calculator, you input the following:

  • Cash in the bank;
  • Cash in hand;
  • Loans that you have given out;
  • Cash for the future, this includes traveling and tour plans; and
  • Investments like prize bonds, pensions, and certificates.

The next section takes into account your liabilities. These are the assets (so to say) that are not included in the net worth and don't account for zakat, hence called liabilities. In this section, you should input the following:

  • Loans taken (since you have to return them, they don't count as your asset);
  • Wages you may have to pay employees or household helpers; and
  • Payable bills like rent, taxes, and utility.

The next part of the silver or gold zakat calculator is about the cash value of the valuables. Selecting which nisab value you qualify for tells you that your net worth is equivalent to or greater than the nisab value. However, the value of the total amount you have is still needed to sum up your net worth:

  • The cash value of the gold you may have; and
  • The cash value of silver you may have.

Finally, enter the trade goods that you may have, i.e.:

  • The value of your stock.

The result is in terms of the following:

  • Your net worth; and
  • Zakat payable on your net worth.

If your net worth results in less than the nisab value, that means you do not qualify to pay zakat. Now that you know, in general, what zakat is and how to calculate zakat on gold or silver, we will present more details about this topic below.

Assets subject to zakat

The assets you have with you as an intent of saving or investment are subject to zakat. But the main thing to remember is that you need to have these assets and savings for longer than one lunar year. The assets on which zakat is payable are:

  • Valuables: Gold, silver, and precious jewels;
  • Land/property you may have as investments – not including the property you live on;
  • Cash as investments and savings;
  • Loans that you have given out; and
  • Pensions, stocks, and shares.

⚠️ Remember, loans that you take out or purchases made on credit are not your asset, as you have to pay them back. Hence they cannot be a part of your net worth.

If you are interested, our loan balance calculator allows you to compute the remaining balance of your loan and check how much you still have to repay.

How to calculate zakat: Calculating it the right way

If you don't know the basics, there is a chance you might not do it the right way. The important thing is the ratio of zakat, which is 2.5% of your net worth, and the second and most important thing is nisab.

You are given two options to choose from, based on whichever you qualify for:

  • Calculate zakat on gold
    If we have 87.48 grams or 3.1 ounces of gold or gold jewelry, it makes us eligible to pay zakat. But not just gold, its equivalent in cash or other asset value also applies.

    So, once you know your assets meet the gold nisab threshold and your savings have crossed one lunar year, sum up your net worth and determine 2.5% of it.

  • Calculate zakat on silver
    The other threshold is based on silver. Maybe you don't qualify based on the gold nisab and are a little bit short. It is wise to compare it with the silver nisab, which is 612.36 grams or 21.6 ounces of silver or its equivalent in cash or other assets.

    So, when your net worth meets the silver nisab threshold, determine 2.5% of it and give your zakat.

✅ The right time to give your zakat is any time of the year, but the most practiced time is during the 9th month of the Hijri calendar, the month of Ramadan.

Zakat calculation example

So, how can I calculate my zakat? Let's see it in practice. Zakat is calculated as 2.5% percent of the savings and financial assets, which make your net worth.

The nisab, by the gold standard, is 3 ounces of gold (87.48 grams) or equivalent cash. The nisab, by the silver standard, is 21 ounces of silver (612.36 grams) or its equivalent in cash.

Once you sum up your net worth by adding up all the assets you possess, especially if you have had them for more than a lunar year, then all you have to do is calculate 2.5% of it.

Remember, you must subtract (or not add) your liabilities. They include loans you have taken or goods procured on credit, the wages that are due to employees, and bills (rent, tax, utility).

For instance, you have enough savings equivalent to the cash value of 612.36 grams of silver. And decide to pay zakat for it. So, you sum up your net worth, and it is $500,000. And the cash value for the silver nisab is $2500.

Since your net worth is greater than the nisab, you are eligible to pay zakat. Now all you have to do is determine 2.5% of 500,000.

Zakat=Net worth×2.5%=$500, ⁣000×0.025=$12, ⁣500\small \begin{split} \text{Zakat} &= \text {Net worth} \times 2.5\%\\ &= \$500,\!000 \times 0.025\\ &= \$12,\!500 \end{split}

We have a net worth calculator that helps you estimate your total wealth if you need it.

FAQs

How is nisab significant?

The nisab was set by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) at a rate equivalent to 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. It acts as a threshold by which to compare your net worth.

Choose gold as nisab if you have assets equivalent to or more than its recommended value. Otherwise, choose silver. If you have a mixture of both and can't decide, then it is recommended to go with silver.

Am I eligible to pay zakat?

Zakat eligibility is checked based on the amount of land, gold, and silver one possesses and compared with the value of nisab.

If you have possessed your assets for less than one-year, it does not fall under the obligation of zakat. But if you have had it for more than a year, then you are eligible to pay zakat, which is 2.5% of your total net worth.

Should I pay zakat on jewelry I wear?

The jewelry that you wear is not subject to zakat. This includes routine ornaments like an engagement or wedding ring, earrings, nose studs, etc.

But that does not mean there is no limit to it. It still should not exceed the nisab threshold.

How much zakat should I pay on my net worth?

The payable zakat is 2.5% of your net worth.

For example, your net worth is $1 million, and your nisab is $4600. Since your net worth is more than nisab, you are eligible to pay zakat, which is calculated by:

Zakat = Net worth × 2.5%

Zakat = $1,000,000 × 0.025

Zakat = $25,000

How much zakat do I pay on savings of $200,000?

The zakat payable on a net worth of $200,000 is $5000.

To calculate the zakat on your net worth, follow the steps:

  1. Make sure your net worth is more than nisab.
  2. Calculate 2.5% of your net worth.
  3. The result is the payable zakat on your net worth.

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