Gold is measured using different traditional units across India, such as tola, ratti, bhori, and pavan. Among these, pavan is one of the most widely used gold measurement units in South India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Understanding the pavan-to-gram conversion can help you make informed decisions when buying gold jewellery, investing in gold, or applying for a gold loan.
How Much is 1 Pavan Gold in Grams?

1 Pavan Gold = 8 Grams of Gold
A pavan is a traditional South Indian unit of gold measurement equal to 8 grams, regardless of whether the gold is 18K, 22K, or 24K.
Pavan to Grams Conversion Table
|
Gold in Pavan |
Gold in Grams |
|
1 pavan |
8 grams |
|
2 pavan |
16 grams |
|
3 pavan |
24 grams |
|
5 pavan |
40 grams |
|
10 pavan |
80 grams |
What is a Pavan?
A pavan is a traditional unit used to measure gold jewellery in South India. Although international markets use grams, ounces, and kilograms, jewellers and consumers in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu frequently refer to gold weight in pavans.
Regional Names for Pavan
|
Region |
Common Term |
|
Kerala |
Pavan |
|
Tamil Nadu |
Savaran |
|
Karnataka |
Sovereign |
|
International Markets |
8 grams |
Both ‘Pavan’ and ‘Savaran’ represent the same weight: 8 grams of gold.
The Enduring Legacy: A Brief History of the Pavan
The story of the ‘pavan’ links back to the British colonial era. The British introduced the gold ‘Sovereign’ coin during the Great Recoinage of 1816-17. The original sovereign weighed approximately 7.988 grams and was made using 22K gold.
Over time, the coin became widely accepted throughout British India. In South India, people began referring to it as Savaran, which later evolved into Pavan. For convenience in trade and jewellery transactions, its weight was rounded to 8 grams, a standard that continues today.
Calculating the Value of 1 Pavan of Gold
Based on the fluctuating price of gold, like global economic factors, market demand, and currency values, the price of 1 pavan varies too. You can easily calculate the base value of your pavan-weighed gold using a simple formula:
Price of Gold in Pavan = Current Gold Price Per Gram × Weight in Grams
So, for 1 pavan: 1 Pavan Gold Price = Current Gold Price Per Gram × 8
For example, if the market rate for 22K gold is ₹13,215 per gram, the value of 1 pavan would be:
₹13,215 × 8 = ₹1,05,720
So,
1 Pavan (8 grams) of 22K Gold = ₹1,05,720
Note: This represents only the intrinsic value of the gold. Jewellery prices also include making charges, taxes, and hallmarking costs.
Comparing Gold Rates by Purity and Weight
Gold’s purity, measured in Karats, directly influences its price. 24K is the purest form, while 22K and 18K contain alloys to enhance durability, making them ideal for jewellery.
Here is a table illustrating the estimated base prices of gold across different purities, based on the gold rates as of 28th July, 2026:
|
Pavan |
Grams |
24K Gold (₹14,417/gram) |
22K Gold (₹13,215/gram) |
18K Gold (₹10,813/gram) |
|
1 |
8 |
₹1,15,336 |
₹1,05,720 |
₹86,504 |
|
2 |
16 |
₹2,30,672 |
₹2,11,440 |
₹1,73,008 |
|
3 |
24 |
₹3,46,008 |
₹3,17,160 |
₹2,59,512 |
|
5 |
40 |
₹5,76,680 |
₹5,28,600 |
₹4,32,520 |
How Jewellers Calculate the Final Price of Gold Jewellery
Jewellers in India follow a standard formula to determine the final price of gold jewellery.
Final Gold Price = (Gold rate per gram × weight of gold) + Making charges + 3% GST + Hallmarking charges
If the jewellery includes diamonds or gemstones, their costs are added before applying GST.
Typical Charges:
-
Making Charges: 5% to 25%
-
GST: 3%
-
Hallmarking Charge: ₹45 per article (excluding taxes) as prescribed by BIS.
According to BIS, “Hallmarking is the accurate determination and official recording of the proportionate content of precious metal in precious metal articles (as per IS 15820). Hallmarks are thus official marks used in India as a guarantee of purity or fineness of precious metal articles.”
Example: Final Cost of a 1-Pavan 18K Gold Necklace
|
Component |
Cost |
|
Base 18K Gold (8 grams) |
₹86,504 |
|
Making charges (5%) |
₹4,325 |
|
Subtotal |
₹90,829 |
|
GST on Total Amount (3%) |
₹2,725 |
|
Hallmarking Charges |
₹45 |
|
Final Cost |
₹93,599 |
1 Pavan Gold and Gold Loan Eligibility
A Gold Loan is a secured loan where 18K to 22K gold jewellery is pledged as collateral to avail credit. The final amount is decided based on the assessed value of the gold and the individual’s profile. Lenders determine the maximum loan amount using the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio.
The Reserve Bank of India has a tiered LTV structure based on which lenders determine the loan variables.
|
Loan Amount |
LTV Ratio |
|
Loans below ₹2.5 Lakh |
Up to 85% LTV |
|
Loans between ₹2.5 Lakh and ₹5 Lakh |
Up to 80% LTV |
|
Loans above ₹5 Lakh |
Up to 75% LTV |
For example, if 1 pavan of 22K gold is pledged (valued at ₹105,720), the maximum eligible loan amount at 85% LTV would be ₹89,862.
Actual loan amounts depend on factors like gold purity, net weight after deductions, type of jewellery, and the lender’s valuation process.
To Conclude
Understanding 1 pavan in grams lets you make informed decisions during gold purchases, investments, and loan transactions. The simple conversion, 1 pavan equals 8 grams, remains a common practice for gold trading in South India.
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FAQs
What is the difference between 1 pavan gold and 1 sovereign gold?
Both 1 pavan gold and 1 sovereign gold refer to 8 grams in the modern Indian market. Pavan is the regional adaptation of the old British sovereign coin.
How many pavans are there in 1 kilogram of gold?
Since 1 pavan equals 8 grams:
1,000 ÷ 8 = 125 pavans
1 kilogram of gold equals 125 pavans
Is the 1 pavan gold rate the same in Kerala and Tamil Nadu?
The 1 pavan gold price is generally comparable in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. However, the final price can vary slightly due to differences in local taxes and jeweller charges.
Does the pavan to gram gold conversion change for 22K and 24K gold?
No, the conversion remains 8 grams regardless of purity. The total price, however, differs based on whether the gold purity is 18K, 22K, or 24K.
Is pavan used in international markets?
No, international gold markets follow the metric system (grams, ounces, kilograms). Pavan is a regional unit used only in India, primarily in the southern parts of the country.
We take utmost care to provide information based on internal data and reliable sources. However, this article and associated web pages provide generic information for reference purposes only. Readers must make an informed decision by reviewing the products offered and the terms and conditions. Loan disbursal is at the sole discretion of Poonawalla Fincorp.
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