Uses the standard Nisab definition recognised across schools of thought. Last checked September 2026, see Methodology & Sources.
How Zakat is calculated
Zakat is due at 2.5% of qualifying wealth held for a full lunar year, once that wealth reaches the Nisab threshold: the minimum amount that makes Zakat obligatory. Nisab is defined as the value of either 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver, and you may choose either standard. Qualifying wealth typically includes cash, bank savings, gold and silver, business inventory, and money owed to you, minus short-term debts you owe.
Zakat, Sadaqah, and Zakat al-Fitr, not the same thing
Zakat is a specific, obligatory 2.5% charge on wealth above Nisab, calculated once a lunar year. It's distinct from Sadaqah, which is voluntary charity given at any time in any amount, and from Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana), a separate small obligatory payment made before Eid-ul-Fitr prayers based on a standard food amount per family member rather than on wealth. This calculator covers annual Zakat on wealth only.
Getting a current gold or silver rate
Because gold and silver prices change daily, this tool asks you to enter today's rate rather than guessing one. BAJUS (the Bangladesh Jewellers Association) publishes the reference rate most jewellers across the country follow. You can convert weights between Vori, Ana, Roti and Grams or check standard pricing on our Gold Price & Unit Calculator before calculating your Zakat.
Worked example
Suppose someone holds ৳150,000 in cash and bank savings, 20 grams of gold, and no other qualifying assets, with no short-term debts. If gold is quoted at ৳12,000 per gram that day, the gold is worth ৳240,000, bringing total wealth to ৳390,000. Using the silver Nisab (612.36g at, say, ৳150 per gram silver, or ৳91,854), that total is well above the Nisab threshold, so Zakat is due: 2.5% of ৳390,000 is ৳9,750 for the year. If the same person's total wealth had come to only ৳80,000, below the silver Nisab of ৳91,854, no Zakat would be owed that year.
The lunar year (Hawl) requirement
Zakat is only due on wealth that has been held for one full lunar year (Hawl) above the Nisab threshold, not on money you happened to receive the same week you're calculating. Many people find it simplest to pick one fixed date each year, often during Ramadan, to check their wealth against Nisab and pay Zakat on whatever qualifies, which you can track using our Hijri Calendar Converter (হিজরি ক্যালেন্ডার). If you hold foreign currencies or receive remittances from abroad, convert your balances to BDT on our Currency & Remittance Calculator. When writing Zakat cheques or distribution receipts, spell out the exact amount in words using our Amount to Words Tool (কথায় রূপান্তর).
FAQ
- Should I use the gold or silver Nisab?
- Both are valid. The silver Nisab is lower in value, so it's often recommended as the safer, more charity-generous standard, more people become liable for Zakat, benefiting more of the needy.
- Do I pay Zakat on jewellery I wear?
- Views differ by school of thought, some scholars exempt everyday-worn jewellery, others include all gold and silver regardless of use. This calculator includes all gold/silver you enter; adjust the amount based on the ruling you follow.
- What if my wealth is below Nisab?
- Zakat isn't obligatory on you this year, though voluntary charity (Sadaqah) is always encouraged.
- Who is eligible to receive Zakat?
- Traditionally, Zakat is distributed among eight categories of recipients described in the Quran, including the poor, the needy, and those in debt. A local scholar or established Zakat-distributing organisation can advise on eligible recipients near you.
- Is Zakat due on DPS or FDR savings?
- Generally yes, bank savings, including amounts in a DPS or FDR, count as cash wealth for Zakat purposes if they've been held for a full lunar year and your total wealth is above Nisab.
- What is the Hawl?
- The Hawl is the one full lunar year that qualifying wealth must be held above Nisab before Zakat becomes due on it, rather than Zakat applying to money the moment it's received.
- Is this Zakat calculator free?
- Yes, free to use, with no sign-up required.