What is Kasu Gold in Grams: Meaning & How It is Calculated

Kasu gold is a traditional South Indian unit of measurement for gold. This ancient system remains relevant today, especially in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, where many jewellers and customers still prefer using Kasu over grams for gold transactions. This blog walks you through the Kasu measurement system, its conversion to grams, and the impact of this conversion in today’s gold transactions. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Kasu Gold?

Kasu is a traditional unit of weight measurement specifically used for gold in South India. The term “Kasu”, meaning “coin”, originates from ancient Tamil and has been used for centuries to measure precious metals. Despite existing before the metric system, this measurement system remains culturally and practically relevant to local gold markets.

Under the traditional system, Kasu was a standardised unit that ensured uniformity in the South Indian gold trade. Local jewellers and gold merchants developed expertise in this system, making it an integral part of their business practices. Today, Kasu gold is commonly found in South Indian jewellery like necklaces, where multiple Kasu coins are strung together.

Also Read: What is Gold Loan or Loan Against Gold?

What is Kasu Gold in Grams?

1 Kasu Gold is typically 0.4 to 0.5 grams of gold, and as of August, the 24-carat gold rate in Kasu is approximately Rs. 9,807/- per gram. This range allows for slight variations depending on regional practices and the specific type of gold being measured across different South Indian markets.

The measure of Kasu to grams is standardised to ensure consistency across different regions and markets. It helps the buyers and sellers calculate the value of gold accurately, ensuring fair pricing across different markets and reducing disputes over weight measurements.

How to Calculate 1 Kasu Gold in Grams?

Considering that one gram of Kasu is usually 0.4 to 0.5 grams of gold:

Weight in grams = Number of Kasus × conversion factor (0.4 to 0.5)

For reverse conversion from grams to Kasu:

Weight in Kasus = Weight in grams ÷ conversion factor

For Example:

If you want to buy 3 Kasus of gold (using 0.45 grams per Kasu): 3 × 0.45 = 1.35 grams

If a jewellery piece weighs 2.4 grams (using 0.4 grams per Kasu): 2.4 ÷ 0.4 = 6 Kasus

Calculating the Price of 1 Kasu Gold

The price of 1 Kasu gold can be calculated using the following formula:

Price of 1 Kasu gold = Price per gram × Weight of 1 Kasu in grams

Taking the current rate of gold into account (mid-August 2025):

24K Gold: 9,952/gram

Using this value, the price of 1 Kasu gold is:

9,952 × 0.4 = ₹3980.8

Also Read: What is the Maximum Gold Loan Tenure?

What is the Impact of Conversion on Gold Transactions?

• Gold purchase decisions and pricing calculations: Since gold prices are typically quoted per gram in the Indian market, you need accurate conversions to compare prices across different sellers.
• Regional vs national jewellers: The conversion becomes crucial when dealing with regional jewellers who quote prices in Kasu versus national chains that use gram measurements. Incorrect conversions can lead to overpaying or misunderstanding the actual quantity of gold you're purchasing.
• Loans: The RBI reported a 103% surge in Gold Loans in FY25, denoting the rise in people pledging gold as collateral. When pledging Kasu gold, ensure accurate weight conversion for proper valuation and fair loan amounts. This precision becomes especially important when dealing with inherited jewellery measured in traditional units.

Also Read: How is a Gold Loan Amount Calculated?

Things to Consider When Buying Gold Measured in Kasu

Here are a few points you must consider when buying gold measured in Kasu:

• Before you finalise your purchase, ensure you verify the conversion rate with your jeweller. While 0.4 to 0.5 grams per Kasu is the accepted range, some regions might have specific variations in their traditional measurements.
• Check purity certification alongside weight measurements. Higher purity (higher karat) means more gold and thus, a higher value for the same weight of Kasu.
• Compare prices across sellers by converting all quotes to grams to ensure you’re getting competitive rates and the best deal.
• Request proper documentation showing both Kasu and gram weights on your purchase receipt.

Also Read: How Can Gold Loans Help Small Business Owners

To Conclude

While the ancient system of Kasu preserves cultural heritage, understanding its conversion to grams ensures you make informed decisions in today's gold market. By verifying conversion rates and comparing prices across different measurement systems, you can confidently navigate both traditional and modern gold transactions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 1 Kasu always equal to 0.4-0.5 grams across all regions in South India?

The standard conversion rate of 1 Kasu = 0.4 to 0.5 grams is widely accepted across South Indian states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. However, specific conversion rates can vary slightly between regions, with some areas using 0.4 grams per Kasu while others use 0.5 grams. It's always advisable to confirm the exact rate with your local jeweller before making any transaction.

How does gold purity affect Kasu measurements?

Gold purity significantly impacts the measurement and value of Kasu (a traditional Indian unit of gold) because it directly affects the amount of pure gold present in a piece of jewellery. Meaning, higher purity equals more gold and thus, a higher value for the same weight of Kasu.

Do banks and financial institutions accept Kasu measurements for gold loans?

Banks and financial institutions primarily rely on the metric system (grams and kilograms) for gold measurements when determining gold loan eligibility and valuation. While traditional units like Kasu are culturally significant and used in some regions, particularly for South Indian jewellery, the valuation process for gold loans typically involves converting these traditional units into grams.

What precautions should I take when selling gold originally bought in Kasus?

When selling gold originally purchased in Kasus, ensure the buyer uses certified weighing equipment and provides gram measurements for transparency. Compare offers from multiple buyers by converting all quotes to a common unit. Keep your original purchase receipts showing Kasu measurements as proof of authenticity and to help establish the gold's provenance.

How do gold price fluctuations affect Kasu-based transactions?

Gold price fluctuations affect Kasu-based transactions the same way they impact gram-based purchases. Since gold prices are typically quoted per 10 grams in the Indian market, you'll need to convert the per-gram rate to per-Kasu rate using the local conversion factor. The daily price changes impact the total cost regardless of the measurement unit used.