What Is Zakat?
Zakat is a yearly payment of 2.5% on savings and other qualifying wealth, given to people in need. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting in Ramadan and Hajj. It becomes due once your wealth reaches a minimum amount, the nisab, and you have held it for one lunar year.
“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.” (Qur'an 9:103). Use the calculator below to work out how much you may owe.
Calculate Your Zakat
All fields are optional. Enter amounts in your chosen currency and weights in grams. Not sure whether to include a pension, property or crypto? Scholars differ, so ask a scholar before adding them.
What Is the Nisab?
The nisab is the minimum amount of wealth you must have before zakat becomes due. It is measured against gold or silver. This calculator uses 85g of gold and 595g of silver, which are commonly used figures. Some scholars, including those following the Hanafi school, use 87.48g of gold and 612.36g of silver. Figures vary by school and organisation, so ask a scholar or your local mosque which applies to you.
Gold and silver prices change every day, so the nisab in your currency changes too. Check today's price per gram before you calculate. Because silver is far cheaper than gold, the silver nisab is a much lower amount and more people reach it. Scholars and schools differ on which one to use, and many choose the silver nisab as the more cautious option.
Zakat is due on wealth you have held at or above the nisab for one full lunar year, known as the hawl. Scholars explain the details of how that year is counted in different ways. The Islamic year is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian one, so your zakat date moves each year; the Islamic calendar months and dates help you keep track of it.
How to Calculate Zakat
- List your zakatable assets. Add up cash and bank savings, gold and silver, investments and shares, business goods and stock, and money owed to you that you expect to be repaid.
- Subtract debts that are due now. These are bills and repayments you must pay soon.
- Compare the result with the nisab. Use today's gold or silver price to work out the nisab in your currency.
- Multiply by 2.5%. If your wealth is at or above the nisab, zakat is 2.5% of it, which is the same as dividing by 40.
- Give it to eligible recipients. Pay it to the groups named in the Qur'an, directly or through a trusted mosque or zakat charity.
Example only
These are invented round numbers, not real prices. Suppose you have 4,000 in savings and 1,000 in shares, and you owe 1,000 that is due now. Your zakatable wealth is 5,000, or 4,000 after debts. If silver cost 1.00 per gram, the silver nisab would be 595 x 1.00 = 595, so your wealth is above it. Zakat due: 4,000 x 2.5% = 100.
Who Can Receive Zakat?
The Qur'an (9:60) names eight groups who may receive zakat: the poor, the needy, those employed to collect and distribute it, those whose hearts are to be brought together, freeing those in bondage, people in debt, in the cause of Allah, and the stranded traveller. Many people give through a trusted mosque or zakat charity. For specific cases, such as giving to relatives, ask a qualified scholar.
Zakat al-Fitr
Zakat al-Fitr is a separate, smaller payment made at the end of Ramadan. It is given for each person in the household and should reach people in need before the Eid prayer; see the expected Eid al-Fitr dates. The amount is set each year by local scholars, mosques or charities, often based on the cost of a staple food, so check the figure where you live. This calculator does not work out zakat al-Fitr.
Zakat Calculator FAQ
Is zakat 2.5% of all savings?
No. Zakat is 2.5% of zakatable wealth that has reached the nisab and been held for one lunar year, after subtracting debts that are due now. Money you spend on daily living before your zakat date is not counted, because zakat is worked out on what you hold on that date. If your total is below the nisab, no zakat is due.
Do I pay zakat on gold jewellery?
Scholars differ on this. Some schools say zakat is due on all gold and silver, including jewellery that is worn regularly, while others exempt jewellery kept for personal use. This calculator lets you enter the weight of any gold or silver you decide to include. Ask a qualified scholar which view applies to your situation.
Can I pay zakat in Ramadan?
Yes. Many Muslims choose to pay zakat in Ramadan, when good deeds are especially encouraged, but you do not have to wait for it. Zakat is due once your wealth has stayed at or above the nisab for a full lunar year, whenever that date falls. Some people set their zakat date in Ramadan so it is easy to remember.
Is zakat due on debts?
This calculator subtracts debts that are due now, such as a bill or a repayment you must make soon, before comparing your wealth with the nisab. Scholars differ on how much of a long-term debt, such as a mortgage, can be subtracted, and on how to treat money owed to you. If your debts are large or long-term, ask a scholar.
What is the difference between zakat and sadaqah?
Zakat is an obligation: 2.5% of qualifying wealth, paid once a year to the eight groups named in the Qur'an. Sadaqah is voluntary charity. It can be any amount, given at any time, to anyone in need, and it includes kind acts as well as money. Many Muslims give sadaqah alongside their zakat, especially in Ramadan.
New to Islam? Our guide for new Muslims explains zakat alongside the other pillars. For other questions, read our frequently asked questions about Islam.
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This page is a general guide. For your own situation, please consult a qualified scholar.