Kilobars, cast bars and minted bars: choosing the right format
Gold bars differ in how they are made, how they look and where they are typically used. A short guide for business buyers.
Gold bars come in many sizes and finishes. For business buyers, the choice of format affects handling, packaging, resale channels and sometimes price.
Kilobars
A kilobar weighs 1,000 grams, or about 32.15 troy ounces. It is one of the most common units in wholesale trade because it is large enough to be efficient yet small enough to handle easily.
Cast bars
Cast bars are made by pouring molten gold into a mould. The result has a slightly uneven surface and softer edges. Casting is efficient, which makes cast bars popular for larger weights and for trade between businesses.
Minted bars
Minted bars are cut from a rolled strip of gold and struck under high pressure. They have sharp edges, a polished surface and are frequently sealed in protective packaging. They are common in smaller weights intended for retail channels.
Regional units
In the Gulf and South Asia, the tola remains a familiar unit. One tola is approximately 11.66 grams, so a 10 tola bar weighs about 116.64 grams.
Which should you choose?
| Need | Typical format |
|---|---|
| Wholesale volume | Kilobars or large cast bars |
| Retail distribution | Minted bars and coins |
| Manufacturing input | Granules or cast bars |