How much is 1 tola of gold? Hint: It's not 10 gram

Traditionally, 1 tola is a measurement unit used in India and South Asia. When converted, 1 tola of gold is equivalent to 11.6638 gram (11.7 gram). The price of 1 tola of gold is determined by the current market rate, which fluctuates as per market conditions.

Gold, a crucial commodity and a safe-haven asset, holds unique importance in South Asian countries, symbolizing wealth, cultural heritage and prosperity.

In India, gold is more than a metal; it has significant traditional value and is an important part of many religious and cultural ceremonies, including weddings. This is why gold prices jump during festivals and the wedding season across the country.

The yellow metal also plays a key role in household savings across India and other South Asian countries, as families often view it as a long-term investment that protects wealth during economic uncertainty. This keeps gold's demand strong in both urban and rural regions of the country.

History of tola

Tola is an ancient unit of weight traditionally used for measuring precious metals, grains, and other valuable commodities. It is believed to have originated from the term "Tula," which means balance or scale, used in weighing goods in ancient Indian marketplaces.

While tola’s exact weight has varied throughout history, it was often determined by the weight of 100 Ratti (rosary pea) seeds. Today, it is standardised as 11.7 gram.

Gold prices

Gold prices in India are currently hovering around ₹1.31 lakh per 10 gram. When compared to the start of this calendar year, when gold was at around ₹78,000 per 10 gram, the yellow metal is up nearly 68% year-to-date (YTD).

Additionally, this means that the current price of 1 tola of gold is approximately ₹1.53 lakh.

The yellow metal was trading higher by over 70% near Diwali this year, supported by domestic festive demand.

Gold futures for the February expiry were trading 0.19% up at ₹1,30,714 per 10 gram on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on Monday, December 8.