Zakat Calculator

Understanding Zakat: The Third Pillar of Islam

Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and represents a fundamental obligation for every Muslim whose wealth meets the minimum threshold known as the Nisab. Unlike voluntary charity (Sadaqah), Zakat is a precisely defined act of worship with specific rules about who must pay, how much to pay, and who can receive it. The rate is fixed at 2.5% of qualifying wealth that has been held for one full lunar year.

The concept of Nisab ensures that only those with sufficient means are required to pay Zakat. There are two traditional standards for determining the Nisab: the Gold standard (87.48 grams, equivalent to 7.5 tola) and the Silver standard (612.36 grams, equivalent to 52.5 tola). Because silver is far less valuable per gram than gold, the Silver Nisab results in a much lower monetary threshold. Most contemporary scholars advise using the Silver Nisab because it allows more wealth to be redistributed to those in need.

Calculating Zakat correctly requires a comprehensive accounting of all qualifying assets. Cash in bank accounts, gold and silver (whether jewellery or bullion), business inventory at current market value, shares and investments, money owed to you that is expected to be repaid, and investment property all count. Your primary residence, personal vehicles, household furniture, and clothing are not subject to Zakat. Debts that are currently due and immediate living expenses can be deducted before calculating the final amount.

This calculator supports seven major currencies used across Muslim-majority countries and Muslim communities worldwide: British Pounds, US Dollars, Euros, UAE Dirhams, Saudi Riyals, Pakistani Rupees, and Indian Rupees. Gold and silver prices are pre-filled with approximate market rates and can be edited to reflect the exact prices on your Zakat calculation date. All calculations run entirely in your browser and no data is stored or transmitted.

The recipients of Zakat are specified in the Quran and include the poor, the needy, those employed to collect and distribute Zakat, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, freeing captives, those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and the wayfarer. Many Muslims pay their Zakat through established charitable organisations that distribute funds to these categories of recipients. Whatever method you choose, the important thing is to calculate accurately and pay promptly once the obligation is due.