Before working out how much zakat to give, there is a more basic question: are you required to pay it at all? That is decided by the nisab. Understanding what nisab is helps you know whether zakat is due on your wealth this year. In simple terms, nisab is a minimum threshold of wealth, set by the value of a specific weight of gold or silver, and only those whose qualifying wealth stays above it for a full lunar year owe zakat. This guide explains the two nisab standards, how to work out their value today, and the conditions that apply, written respectfully and clearly. To calculate your obligation, our zakat calculator applies the nisab for you.
Quick answer: Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth you must own before zakat becomes obligatory. It is set at the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. If your qualifying wealth stays above the nisab for one lunar year, zakat of 2.5% is due.
What is nisab?
Nisab is the minimum threshold of wealth a Muslim must possess before zakat, the obligatory annual charity, becomes due. If your qualifying wealth is below the nisab, zakat is not owed for that year. If it is at or above the nisab and remains so for a full lunar year, you pay zakat, which is calculated at 2.5% of that wealth.
The purpose is fairness: those with only modest means are not obligated to give, while those with surplus wealth share a small portion with those in need.
The gold and silver standards
The nisab is defined by the value of a set weight of two precious metals:
| Standard | Weight |
|---|---|
| Gold nisab | 87.48 grams of gold (about 7.5 tolas) |
| Silver nisab | 612.36 grams of silver (about 52.5 tolas) |
These weights are fixed, but their cash value changes daily with the market price of gold and silver, so the nisab in your currency moves over time.
Working out the value today
Nisab value = weight of the metal x current price per gram
To find the nisab in your own currency, multiply the weight (87.48 grams for gold, or 612.36 grams for silver) by the current market price per gram of that metal. Because prices are usually quoted in major currencies, you may need to convert, which our guide to exchange rates can help with. A zakat calculator updates these values automatically.
The conditions for zakat
Nisab is one of several conditions. Generally, zakat becomes due when:
- Your wealth reaches the nisab: your qualifying assets are at or above the threshold.
- A lunar year passes: the wealth is held for one full Islamic (hijri) year, known as the hawl.
- It is zakatable wealth: such as cash, savings, gold, silver, and trade goods, after deducting immediate debts, according to scholarly guidance.
If your wealth dips below the nisab during the year, the treatment can differ by scholarly opinion, so seek guidance for your situation.
Check your zakat
Our zakat calculator applies the current nisab and works out your 2.5% if it is due. For the full method, see our guide on how to calculate zakat on cash, gold, and savings.
Which standard to use
Because gold and silver have different values, the two nisab thresholds are not the same, and the silver nisab is usually the lower of the two. Many scholars recommend using the silver nisab, since a lower threshold means more people qualify to give and more of those in need benefit. Others follow the gold nisab.
This is an area where respected scholars differ, so which standard to apply is a matter of following qualified guidance rather than a single fixed rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is nisab?
Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must own before zakat becomes obligatory. It is set at the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. If your qualifying wealth reaches the nisab and remains at or above it for a full lunar year, you owe zakat, calculated at 2.5% of that wealth.
How much is the nisab in gold and silver?
The gold nisab is 87.48 grams of gold, about 7.5 tolas, and the silver nisab is 612.36 grams of silver, about 52.5 tolas. These weights are fixed, but their value in currency changes daily with market prices. To find the nisab in your currency, multiply the weight by the current price per gram of the metal.
Should I use the gold or silver nisab?
The two thresholds differ in value, and the silver nisab is usually lower. Many scholars recommend the silver nisab because it means more people qualify to give and more needy recipients benefit, while others follow the gold standard. Scholarly opinions differ, so follow the guidance of a qualified scholar for your circumstances.
When does zakat become due?
Zakat generally becomes due when your qualifying wealth reaches the nisab and is held for one full lunar year, known as the hawl. The wealth includes cash, savings, gold, silver, and trade goods, after deducting certain debts. If these conditions are met, you pay 2.5% of that wealth. A qualified scholar can advise on specifics.
What happens if my wealth falls below the nisab during the year?
If your wealth drops below the nisab at some point during the year, the ruling can vary between scholars. Some hold that zakat is still due if you are above the nisab at the start and end of the year, while others differ. Because opinions vary, it is best to consult a qualified scholar for your situation.
The bottom line
Nisab is the wealth threshold that decides whether zakat is due, set at the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. Multiply the weight by the current price per gram to find its value in your currency, and if your qualifying wealth stays above it for a lunar year, you give 2.5%. Scholars differ on which standard to use, so seek guidance. Check your obligation with our zakat calculator.
Further reading
For authoritative background on this topic, see Nisab on Wikipedia.
Note on religious guidance. This article is for general educational purposes and describes commonly cited nisab thresholds. Scholarly opinions and calculation methods differ. For rulings specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar or your local mosque.
Last reviewed: July 2026