Troy Ounces vs. Regular Ounces: Don't Get Shortchanged

If you are investing in precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum, you need to understand the difference between an "Avoirdupois Ounce" (the regular kind) and a "Troy Ounce."

The Difference

A standard kitchen ounce (avoirdupois) weighs 28.35 grams. However, precious metals are weighed in Troy Ounces, which date back to the Middle Ages in Troyes, France. A Troy Ounce weighs 31.1 grams.

Why It Matters

A Troy Ounce is about 10% heavier than a regular ounce. If you buy "an ounce of gold" and weigh it on your kitchen scale, it should read 31.1g. If it reads 28g, you might have been sold a regular ounce instead of a Troy ounce, meaning you lost 10% of your value!