Zakat Calculator

Compute your mandatory Zakat (Zakat al-Mal) according to traditional Islamic rulings. Enter your assets, liabilities, and the current Nisab threshold (gold or silver).

Liquid Assets & Savings
Business & Trade
Liabilities (Subtract)
Default ~$1,950/oz. Updates based on market.
Default ~$25.00/oz. Used for Silver Nisab calculation.
? Basic Savings: $5k cash + $2k gold ? Business Owner: inventory $15k, receivables $4k ? Silver Focus: 600 oz silver, low cash ? No Liabilities: $12k total assets
Privacy assurance: All calculations run locally in your browser. No financial data is transmitted or stored.

What is Zakat? The Third Pillar of Islam

Zakat (Arabic: زكاة) is a mandatory charitable contribution often referred to as the “poor due.” It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, obligatory for every Muslim who possesses wealth above a specific minimum threshold (Nisab) for one lunar year. Zakat purifies wealth, fosters social solidarity, and redistributes resources to eight categories of recipients mentioned in the Qur’an (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60).

Qur'anic injunction: “And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.” (Qur’an 2:110)
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever pays the Zakat on his wealth, its evil is removed from him.” (Ibn Khuzaymah)

Key Definitions: Nisab, Hawl, and Zakatable Assets

Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth that makes Zakat obligatory. Two classical measures are used: the value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver. Most contemporary scholars recommend the silver Nisab because it is lower, thus making Zakat due on more people, increasing charity. Hawl means one lunar year (355 days) has passed while the wealth remained above Nisab. This calculator assumes annual accumulation; use it for your current net Zakatable wealth.

Zakatable assets include cash, gold/silver (coins, jewelry held as savings), business inventory, accounts receivable, shares of publicly traded companies (at market value), and rental income surpluses. Personal residence, household furniture, cars for personal use, and tools of trade are generally exempt.

Zakat Formula
Zakat = 2.5% × (Total Zakatable Wealth – Immediate Liabilities)
Eligible only if (Total Wealth – Liabilities) ≥ Nisab Value.

Step-by-Step Calculation Methodology

  1. Sum all Zakatable assets: cash, bank balances, gold (convert to USD using market price), silver, stocks, business inventory, receivables, and other tradable assets.
  2. Subtract immediate debts: loans, unpaid bills, and other liabilities due within the year (does not include long-term mortgage on primary residence).
  3. Calculate Nisab: based on real‑time gold/silver price (user can update). If net wealth ≥ Nisab → Zakat is due.
  4. Apply 2.5% rate: multiply net wealth by 0.025 to get Zakat payable.

Why Silver Nisab or Gold Nisab?

Historically, the Prophet (PBUH) fixed Nisab at 20 mithqals of gold (≈85g) or 200 dirhams of silver (≈595g). Since silver is far less valuable, the silver Nisab is lower, making more people eligible to pay Zakat. Many contemporary scholars (including the International Zakat Council) recommend using silver Nisab for maximum precaution and to increase benefit for the poor.

Practical Example: Small Business Owner

Scenario: Fatima has $7,500 in her savings, $3,200 in business inventory, $1,500 owed to her by clients, and $2,000 in gold jewelry (saved for investment). Her debts: $1,200 credit card balance. Gold price = $1,950/oz, silver = $25/oz. She selects silver Nisab (595g silver ≈ 19.13 troy oz ⇒ 19.13 × $25 = $478). Net wealth = (7500+3200+1500+2000) - 1200 = $13,000. Since $13,000 > $478, Zakat due = $13,000 × 0.025 = $325. The calculator returns this amount instantly.

Common Zakat Misconceptions (Clarified)

  • Myth: “Zakat is only on savings after one year” → True, but you can pay early as advance payment.
  • Myth: “No Zakat on 401(k) or retirement funds” → Majority view: Zakat is due on the accessible portion if you are able to withdraw; otherwise, pay when received.
  • Myth: “Gold jewelry worn daily is exempt” → Most scholars say if the jewelry is for personal adornment and not for hoarding, no Zakat; but to be safe, many pay Zakat on all gold above urf (customary).

Authoritative References & Trusted Fatwas

Our calculator adheres to the rulings of the Islamic Fiqh Council, the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA), and classical Hanafi and Shafi’i schools. The 2.5% rate is universally agreed. Nisab values are based on hadiths from Sahih Bukhari and Muslim. For precise religious application, consult a local imam or certified Zakat organization (e.g., Islamic Relief, Zakat Foundation of America).

Expert Validation: Reviewed by getzenquery tech team. Last updated June 2026, incorporating current gold/silver benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you may pay in advance or in installments as long as the total 2.5% is settled within the lunar year. Many use monthly payroll deductions.

Yes, if crypto is held for investment/trading, its market value is Zakatable at 2.5% after one lunar year above Nisab. Treat as a commodity.

The Hawl (yearly cycle) resets when wealth falls below Nisab. Once it rises above again, a new lunar year starts.

Immediate, payable debts (credit cards, personal loans, unpaid rent). Long-term mortgages on primary residence are typically NOT deductible.
References: Islamic Relief Zakat Guide · Zakat Foundation of America · Sahih Bukhari, Book of Zakat · Al-Nawawi’s Riyad as-Salihin.