HOW MUCH DOES A GOLD BAR WEIGH?

It is known that gold is heavy; but specifically, how much does a gold bar weigh? While it seems there would be a straightforward answer, gold bars are available in a wide range of weights. Most common standard gold bars weigh anywhere from 1 gram to 1 kilogram. Each weighted bar possesses unique benefits and characteristics to satisfy an individual collector.

To better visualize, a one gram gold bar is smaller than the size of a paperclip, 2.5 gram bars are just smaller than a penny, and five gram bars are close to the size of a grape. 

Larger gold bars include 1000 grams, or one kilogram, that rivals the size of a one-liter water bottle; 400 troy ounces is about the size of a mountain bike; and the largest gold bar in the world, 250,000 grams, is the size of a male African lion.

HOW MUCH DOES A GOLD BAR WEIGH? IN TROY OUNCES

To know precisely how much gold a consumer will have after purchase and to better answer the question, “how much does a gold bar weigh,” it is important to note the difference between standard ounces and troy ounces. 

When gold bar prices are listed by the ounce, it is safe to assume that the information is measured troy ounces. Troy ounces are heavier than standard ounces. More specifically, there are 14.6 troy ounces to a standard 16 ounces. However, this does not indicate that one troy pound is equivalent to 14.6 troy ounces. Rather, one troy pound equals 12 troy ounces.

WHY IS GOLD HEAVY?

Despite the ranging values in weight, gold is considered a heavy precious metal. Gold is heavy because each of the individual atoms in its makeup is heavy, leading to its high density. 

Interestingly, metals that are this heavy are often brittle and lack softness. Because of this, gold is a bit of an anomaly. Gold’s softness refers to its atoms’ willingness to shift when being manipulated. They are so soft that just 36 pounds of gold could be flattened to cover the space of a football field. 

IS THERE A BEST GOLD BAR WEIGHT?

After wondering “how much does a gold bar weigh,” and learning there is no one right answer, those interested in gold bars and collecting may then pose a follow-up question: which weight is right for me? Because the range in gold bar weight is expansive, there is something out there for everyone. 

Lower-weighted gold bars tend to be best for new collectors as they can be stored and liquified with greater ease whether you choose to keep or sell your precious metal. This liquidity is an important item to note for collectors. Because liquidity refers to its ability to be bought and sold, and smaller bars possess higher liquidity, this should be a key consideration in the selection process. 

Heavier gold bars are often of greater value, but more expensive nonetheless. Their higher weight and size also make them more difficult to store. 

Ultimately, the range in gold bar weight leaves collectors with no straightforward answer to what the best gold bar size for them might be. While less heavy bars are easy to store and more liquid, heavier bars tend to have a higher value. Gold bar collectors should first consider their budgets, storage space, and goals to make a purchase decision that is most sensible for them and their collection.