Sterling silver value.

Answer

Pure silver = weight x 0.925, because sterling silver is 92.5% silver by weight. Divide by 31.1034768 to get troy ounces, then multiply by the silver spot price you enter. 50 g of sterling holds 46.25 g of silver.

Worked example

Silver spot $30.00 per troy ounce (an example, not a quote). 50 g of sterling: 50 x 0.925 = 46.25 g of silver = 1.4870 troy oz x $30.00 = $44.61 melt value. At an 80% payout the offer would be $35.69.

How it works

Pure silver = weight x fineness / 1,000. Melt value = pure troy ounces x spot price. Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, with a minimum millesimal fineness of 925. 1 troy ounce = 31.1034768 g and 1 pennyweight = 1.55517384 g. Weigh the silver without stones, glass or non-silver parts.

Sources and basis (opened 2026-10-08): Wikipedia, Sterling silver; Wikipedia, Troy weight.

FAQ

How much silver is in sterling silver?

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver by weight, so a 100 g piece holds 92.5 g of silver. The rest is usually copper.

How do I calculate the melt value of sterling silver?

Multiply the weight by 0.925, divide by 31.1034768 for troy ounces, then multiply by the silver spot price.

Why do scrap buyers pay less than melt value?

Buyers pay a percentage of melt to cover refining and margin. Use the payout field to compare offers.

What does 925 mean?

925 is the fineness stamp for sterling: 925 parts per 1,000 are silver.

Should I weigh stones and clasps?

No. Remove or exclude non-silver parts, or treat the result as an upper bound.