Convert Karats (K) to Purity Percent (%)
Everything needed to convert Karats (K) to Purity Percent (%): the live calculator, the exact formula, and worked examples for common values.
Formula
1 K = 4.166667 %
To convert K to %, multiply the value by 4.166667.
Conversion Table
| Karats (K) | Purity Percent (%) |
|---|---|
| 1 K | 4.1667 % |
| 2 K | 8.3333 % |
| 4 K | 16.6667 % |
| 6 K | 25 % |
| 8 K | 33.3333 % |
| 9 K | 37.5 % |
| 10 K | 41.6667 % |
| 12 K | 50 % |
| 14 K | 58.3333 % |
| 16 K | 66.6667 % |
| 18 K | 75 % |
| 20 K | 83.3333 % |
| 21 K | 87.5 % |
| 21.6 K | 90 % |
| 22 K | 91.6667 % |
| 23 K | 95.8333 % |
| 24 K | 100 % |
Common K to % Examples
- 8 K = 33.3333 %
- 9 K = 37.5 %
- 10 K = 41.6667 %
- 14 K = 58.3333 %
- 18 K = 75 %
- 21.6 K = 90 %
- 22 K = 91.6667 %
- 24 K = 100 %
About the units
Karats (K) — The karat measures gold purity in 24ths: 24K is pure gold, 18K is 75% gold, 14K is 58.3%. Not to be confused with the carat, which is a gemstone weight (0.2 g).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the unit K come from?
The karat measures gold purity in 24ths: 24K is pure gold, 18K is 75% gold, 14K is 58.3%. Not to be confused with the carat, which is a gemstone weight (0.2 g).
Where does the unit % come from?
Purity Percent is a Gold Purity unit with its own historical and regional roots, now defined in relation to internationally agreed reference standards.
What is the difference between K and %?
Both measure Gold Purity, but they belong to different unit systems or scales, which is why a conversion factor is needed between them.
Why are there different units for Gold Purity?
Different regions and industries developed their own Gold Purity standards over time. International trade and science later required conversion tools to bridge them.
How many decimal places should I keep when converting K to %?
For everyday use, 2 to 4 decimal places are enough. Scientific or engineering work may require 6 or more.
Can I convert % back to K?
Yes. Simply invert the ratio: divide the % value by 4.166667 to get the equivalent in K.