Platinum Scrap Calculator
⚡ Based on USA & international standards: troy ounce (31.1035g), purity scaling, model‑year adjustments for catalytic Pt, and condition premiums. All factors below are applied.
Key factors that shape your platinum scrap estimate
Platinum scrap valuation depends on weight, purity, market price, model year, condition, and type. Below are the detailed multiplier tables used in this calculator – aligned with common practices in North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Weight & purity – direct conversion to troy ounces × spot price.
- Model year factor – reflects platinum load changes (especially for catalytic converters).
- Condition / type – wear level & form (jewelry, industrial, auto).
📊 Platinum purity (karat to %) – international reference
| Karat | Platinum % | Common usage |
|---|---|---|
| 950 Pt | 95.0% | High‑end jewelry (UK, USA) |
| 900 Pt | 90.0% | Coin / older jewelry |
| 850 Pt | 85.0% | Some industrial scrap |
| 750 Pt | 75.0% | Alloyed components |
| 585 Pt | 58.5% | Low grade / mixed scrap |
⏲️ Model year adjustment (catalytic / auto scrap)
| Model year range | Multiplier factor | Rationale (USA/global) |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1990 | 1.20 | High Pt load, pre‑OBDII |
| 1990 – 2005 | 1.10 | Transition period, good content |
| 2006 – 2015 | 1.00 | Modern converters, moderate Pt |
| 2016 – present | 0.90 | Thrifting / Pd substitution |
| Unknown / custom | 1.00 | Default neutral |
🧼 Condition & type premiums (worldwide scrap trade)
| Category | Multiplier | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| Scrap / worn | 1.00 | Broken, no collector value |
| Good / intact | 1.05 | Usable but not mint |
| Excellent / like new | 1.10 | Near‑mint, premium resale |
| Jewelry / bullion | 1.00 | Standard refining |
| Catalytic converter | 0.95 | Processing cost deduction |
| Industrial scrap | 0.98 | Mixed alloys, slight discount |
🌍 Recent platinum scrap reference (USD/troy oz)
| Region | Typicall scrap bid | Date |
|---|---|---|
| USA (NY) | $980 – $1050 | Mar 2025 |
| UK (London) | $970 – $1040 | Mar 2025 |
| Japan / Asia | $960 – $1030 | Mar 2025 |
| Global spot (avg) | $1015 | current |
📐 Example value breakdown (10g, 95% pure, @ $1000/oz)
| Step | Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Base metal content | $305.30 |
| After condition (good 1.05) | $320.57 |
| After model year (2018 → 0.9) | $288.51 |
| After type (jewelry 1.0) | $288.51 |
Frequently asked questions – platinum scrap calculator
❓ What purity should I use for old jewelry?
Use karat marking: 950 = 95%, 900 = 90%, 750 = 75%. If unmarked, a test is recommended. Our table above gives reference.
❓ How does model year affect platinum scrap?
Older vehicles (pre‑2006) often contain more platinum in catalytic converters. Our multiplier reflects industry averages from USA and European recyclers.
❓ Why condition multiplier?
Intact, undamaged items may be sold as used rather than scrap, bringing a small premium. This follows general scrap trade guidelines.
❓ Do you use troy ounce or gram?
We use troy ounce (31.1035g) for price, as standard in USA and international bullion markets. You enter grams – automatically converted.
🔗 More resources: platinum scrap prices by region · catalytic converter scrap guide · today’s platinum spot
Use the Silver Recyclers Scrap Gold Calculator for quick precious metal scrap estimates, or browse the full Scrap Calculator category to access all scrap and recycling tools.