Zakat Calculator
Estimate zakat at 2.5% of eligible wealth.
Estimate zakat at 2.5% of eligible wealth.
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is an annual charitable payment that Muslims give from certain kinds of wealth once that wealth reaches a minimum level. The word means purification and growth, and the idea is that giving a fixed share of your savings cleans the remaining wealth and supports people in need. This guide explains the basic rules in simple language and shows how to use the calculator above. It is a general explanation, not a religious ruling, so please ask a qualified scholar about your own situation.
The standard rate of zakat is 2.5 percent, which is one part in forty, of your eligible wealth. It becomes due only if your wealth is at or above the nisab, the minimum threshold, and you have held it for one full lunar year. The nisab is traditionally measured in gold or silver. Commonly cited figures are about 87.48 grams of gold or about 612.36 grams of silver, although some sources round these numbers differently. Because the value of metals changes daily, you must check the current market price and convert the nisab into your local currency.
Scholars and organizations differ on whether to use gold or silver. Silver gives a lower threshold, so more people become eligible to pay, and many institutions in South Asia use it for that reason. Others use gold. Ask your local scholar or trusted institution which one to follow.
Items you use personally are generally not zakatable. These include the house you live in, your car for daily use, clothing, furniture and household goods. Tools and equipment used to earn a living are normally excluded, while goods you hold for sale are included. Debts you must pay soon are usually deducted before you calculate the total.
Imagine someone has 900,000 in savings, 600,000 worth of gold they treat as savings, and 500,000 in business stock. They also owe 200,000 in debts that are due shortly. Their eligible wealth is 900,000 plus 600,000 plus 500,000, minus 200,000, which equals 1,800,000. If the nisab in their currency is 500,000, they are above the threshold. Zakat is 2.5 percent of 1,800,000, which is 45,000. In the calculator, enter 1,800,000 as total zakatable wealth and the nisab value you checked, and it shows 45,000.
Zakat is based on the lunar Hijri year, which is about eleven days shorter than the solar year. Many people choose one fixed date each year, often in Ramadan, and calculate everything they own on that day. If your wealth went up and down during the year, scholars explain different approaches, and the common practical method is to calculate on your chosen date as long as you stayed above the nisab. If you are unsure, ask a scholar, because the details can change depending on your circumstances.
The Quran names eight categories of recipients. In simple terms they are the poor, the needy, those who work to collect and distribute zakat, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, people freeing others from bondage, those in debt, those striving in the cause of God, and travelers in need. Scholars generally say that you cannot give zakat to your parents, grandparents, children or spouse, because you are already responsible for their support. You can give to other relatives who qualify, and many consider this a double reward.
It is best to give to trustworthy organizations or people you have checked, and to make sure the money reaches those who truly need it. Giving privately and without expecting thanks is encouraged.
In Pakistan, the government collects zakat from certain bank accounts under a law dating from 1980. Deductions generally happen on the first of Ramadan, and eligible account holders can submit a declaration if their school of thought or personal belief differs. Rules and thresholds can change, so check with your bank or the relevant authority. Remember that a deduction from your bank account may not cover your whole obligation, especially if you own gold, business goods or money held elsewhere.
These two are different. Zakat al-Fitr, also called fitrana, is a small fixed amount that each person gives before the Eid prayer at the end of Ramadan. It is calculated per person and is not a percentage of your wealth. The calculator on this page is only for the annual wealth zakat.
People sometimes forget part of their wealth, such as money in a second account, gold stored at a relative's house or money owed to them. Others use an old nisab figure without checking current prices. Some deduct all long-term loans, even though scholars usually allow only the part that is due. Another mistake is waiting until the last moment, which makes it difficult to calculate carefully. Keep a simple yearly list of everything you own and everything you owe.
Add up your zakatable wealth, subtract short-term debts you must pay, and enter the total. Then enter the current nisab value in the same currency. If your total reaches the nisab, the tool shows 2.5 percent as the estimated zakat. If it is lower, the tool explains that zakat is not due. The calculation runs in your browser, and nothing is stored. Because opinions differ on many details, treat the result as an estimate and confirm it with a qualified scholar.
Is zakat due on a house I rent out? The property itself is usually not included, but the rental income you save is included once it is part of your wealth.
Do I pay zakat on gold jewelry? Scholars differ for jewelry worn regularly, so ask a scholar you trust.
Can I pay in advance? Many scholars allow paying early, which can be helpful for planning.
Can I give zakat to a charity abroad? Many scholars allow it, though some prefer giving locally first when there is need nearby.