The Nisab for Zakah on pure (24 karat) gold is 85 grams. To calculate Zakah on gold, the number of grams is multiplied by the caratage, then divided by 24. The resulting figure represents the pure, 24 karat gold. If that number reaches 85 grams or more, then Zakah must be given on it, at the rate of 2.5%.

The correct view is that the minimum threshold (Nisab) for paper money is based on silver, not gold, because that is in the best interests of the poor. The minimum threshold for silver is 595 grams. So whoever has cash that is equivalent in value to that must give Zakah on it.