A standard gold bar, commonly known as a Good Delivery bar, typically has a nominal weight of 400 troy ounces (approximately 12.4 kilograms or 27.4 pounds). This specific type of gold bar is the benchmark for international trading and holdings by central banks and bullion dealers worldwide.
The Standard Gold Bar: Good Delivery
When discussing the weight of a gold bar, especially in the context of global finance and trade, the reference is often to the Good Delivery bar. This is the standard form in which large quantities of gold are held and exchanged by major financial institutions. Its substantial weight makes it suitable for secure storage and efficient transfer in bulk.
Here’s a breakdown of its nominal weight:
| Unit | Nominal Weight |
|---|---|
| Troy Ounces | 400 ozt |
| Kilograms | 12.4 kg |
| Pounds | 27.4 lb |
Weight Variability of Gold Bars
While the nominal weight of a Good Delivery gold bar is 400 troy ounces, its precise gold content is permitted to vary within a specific range to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and ensure high purity standards. This flexibility allows for slight differences in individual bar weights while maintaining the integrity of the Good Delivery standard.
The accepted weight range for a Good Delivery gold bar is:
- Minimum Weight: 350 troy ounces (approximately 10.9 kg or 24.0 lb)
- Maximum Weight: 430 troy ounces (approximately 13.4 kg or 29.5 lb)
This means that while 400 ozt is the target, a bar falling anywhere within this 80-troy-ounce window can still be considered a Good Delivery bar. The exact weight is recorded and accounted for when traded.
