How to Calculate Zakat on Wealth, Gold, and Cash (2026)

A complete guide on calculating your Zakat. Learn about Nisab thresholds, eligible assets (gold, cash, crypto), and how to pay your 2.5% obligatory charity.

A
Sheikh Dr. Tariq Al-MansoorIslamic Jurisprudence Scholar
Updated: June 28, 2026
8 min read
Zakat

What is Zakat?

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It is an obligatory 2.5% annual tax on qualifying wealth that has been held in your possession for one complete lunar year (Hawl). It purifies your wealth and redistributes it to those in need.

Understanding the Nisab Threshold

You only pay Zakat if your total eligible wealth meets or exceeds the Nisab threshold. The Nisab is equivalent to the value of either 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. Today, the silver Nisab is heavily favored by scholars as it benefits the poor by creating a lower threshold for donors.

Eligible Assets

  • Cash and Savings: Any cash in hand or bank accounts.
  • Gold and Silver: Jewelry kept for investment or worn infrequently (rulings vary by Fiqh).
  • Investments: Stocks, shares, and cryptocurrencies.
  • Business Inventory: Goods purchased specifically for resale.

Use our Zakat Calculator to easily determine your exact payment.

Scholar & Coordinate Reviewed

This guide has been verified by our editorial board. Astronomical data matches calculated equational metrics, and liturgical instructions conform with established traditional jurisprudential Fiqh sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Academic & Shariah References

  • Fiqh al-Zakat by Yusuf al-Qaradawi

About The Author

Dr. Tariq Al-Mansoor holds a PhD in Fiqh & Shariah from Umm al-Qura University in Makkah.

Editorial Board Approved (2026)