Zakat Calculator USA (USD)
This USA-focused guide helps you calculate Zakat in USD with clarity: nisab (gold vs silver), what assets count, what debts are commonly subtracted, and USA-specific scenarios such as brokerage accounts, 401(k), IRA, HSA, credit cards, and taxes.
Use the “fast method” to calculate once per lunar year, then read the sections that match your accounts.
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Fast method
Start here: the fastest correct method (USA / USD)
A simple yearly workflow most people can follow. Do it once each lunar year on your Zakat date.
Choose a Hijri-based Zakat date and keep it consistent
Many people select a fixed day in the Hijri calendar so they can calculate once yearly with consistency.
Snapshot your zakatable assets on that date
Include cash, bank balances, accessible brokerage investments, and any crypto you can access. Gold/silver may also be included depending on your method.
Subtract eligible debts due soon
A common approach is to subtract near-term liabilities you must pay soon, not large long-term balances (like the full mortgage or student loan total).
Compare your net to nisab (gold or silver)
If you meet nisab and the conditions are met (hawl), Zakat is generally due.
Pay (commonly 2.5% for many assets) and record it
Keep a short note: date, totals, nisab method, and amount paid. Next year becomes easy.
Assets
What counts as zakatable wealth in the USA
The USA mainly changes the account types (brokerage, 401(k)/IRA/HSA). The core principle remains: what you own and can access.
Cash and bank balances
Include checking, savings, emergency funds, and balances in payment apps you control. If you own it and can use it, it is commonly included.
Read Cash and Savings →Gold and silver
Gold and silver are classic zakat assets. If you include jewellery, note purity and value it reasonably on your Zakat date. Scholars differ on personal jewellery, choose a trusted opinion and stay consistent.
Read Gold guide →Brokerage (stocks/ETFs/funds)
Many Muslims include accessible brokerage holdings as zakatable wealth. Some methods distinguish between trading vs long-term investing or focus on zakatable portions. Choose an approach you can repeat yearly.
Read Investments guide →Crypto
If you hold crypto and can access it, many Muslims include it as zakatable wealth. Value holdings on the Zakat date using a reputable snapshot price and keep a record.
Read Crypto guide →Rule of thumb
Ask: do I fully own it, and can I access it? If yes, it is commonly included. If access is restricted or locked, treatment may differ, seek trusted guidance.
Nisab
Nisab in USD: gold vs silver
Nisab is the threshold that makes Zakat due. Both gold and silver nisab are used. Choose one approach with trusted guidance and keep it consistent.
Silver nisab
Often a lower threshold
In many markets, silver is cheaper than gold. Using silver nisab can make more people eligible to pay Zakat. Some choose it to be cautious and increase benefit to recipients.
Gold nisab
Often a higher threshold
Gold nisab can reduce hardship for people with modest savings who might exceed a lower silver threshold. Many choose it depending on context and trusted scholarly guidance.
Good practice
Choose a nisab method with a trusted scholar and apply it consistently. Consistency protects your calculation and keeps your worship honest.
Deductions
Debts: what can you subtract?
A practical approach many follow is subtracting short-term liabilities due soon. Long-term debts can be treated differently depending on scholarly method.
Common practical method
Subtract liabilities you must pay soon from your current wealth (credit card balances due, bills due, near-term instalments). Avoid subtracting the entire remaining mortgage or student loan balance unless your method explicitly allows it.
Common USA examples
- Credit card statement balance due soon
- Near-term rent or bills due
- Near-term instalments due
- Taxes clearly due and payable soon
Areas needing guidance
- Large long-term debts (mortgage, student loans)
- Retirement accounts with penalties
- Business liabilities and receivables
- Complex portfolios and restricted assets
If your situation is complex, consult a scholar and choose a method you can repeat annually with confidence.
USA notes
USA-specific notes: 401(k), IRA, HSA, and taxes
These topics often cause confusion. Choose a trusted approach and keep it consistent year to year.
401(k) and workplace retirement
Scholars differ because of access restrictions and penalties. Some defer Zakat until funds are accessible; others include certain vested portions. If retirement funds are significant, get scholar guidance and apply the same approach annually.
IRA and Roth IRA
Similar issue: access and penalties. Some include amounts you can access; others defer until withdrawal. Choose a method you can repeat each year.
HSA (Health Savings Account)
HSAs can have usage restrictions. Some include amounts they own and can access; others treat restricted medical-only usage differently. If significant, follow a consistent scholar-backed approach.
Taxes
If you have a clear tax amount due and payable soon from current wealth, it may be treated like a liability in some approaches. Details vary, ask a scholar and remain consistent.
USD tip
If most assets are in USD, calculate in USD. Convert other currencies on your Zakat date using a reasonable rate and record the rate used.
Examples
Examples you can copy (USA / USD)
Simplified examples using a net wealth approach. Your exact treatment can differ depending on your scholarly method.
Example A: cash and a few debts
| Checking | $1,500 |
| Savings | $4,000 |
| Total cash | $5,500 |
| Debts due soon | $500 |
| Net zakatable | $5,000 |
If eligible, Zakat is commonly calculated as 2.5% of net zakatable wealth.
Example B: brokerage and crypto
| Brokerage (accessible value) | $10,000 |
| Crypto (value on Zakat date) | $2,000 |
| Cash | $1,000 |
| Debts due soon | $1,000 |
| Net zakatable | $12,000 |
Keep a yearly note: Zakat date, totals, nisab method, and Zakat paid.
Best practice
Save a short annual record: Zakat date, totals, nisab method (gold or silver), and Zakat paid. This improves consistency and confidence.
Avoid mistakes
Common mistakes (USA edition)
These are frequent errors that cause confusion or inconsistent calculation.
Mistakes people make
- Using a Gregorian year instead of a lunar year (slow underpayment over time).
- Forgetting extra accounts or app balances (PayPal, Cash App, Venmo, etc.).
- Subtracting the entire mortgage or long-term student loan balance without a trusted method.
- Not being consistent about nisab method (gold vs silver) year to year.
- Not keeping a yearly record of your Zakat date and totals.
Simple fixes
- Pick a Hijri-based Zakat date and stick to it every year.
- List all accounts and wallets you own on that date.
- Subtract only near-term debts due soon (unless your method differs).
- Record totals, nisab method, and Zakat paid in one note.
- Use the calculator as your yearly “snapshot” tool.
Ready to calculate
Get a clean USD breakdown
Use the calculator for total assets, deductible debts, net zakatable wealth, and the final amount due.
Related guides
Explore more zakat guides
Continue with the most relevant topics to complete your Zakat understanding.
Evidence
Qur’an and Sahih Hadith references
These references establish Zakat as an obligation, clarify recipients, and emphasize accountability for wealth.
Qur’an
Command to establish prayer and give Zakat
Qur’an 2:43
Shows Zakat as a core obligation paired with prayer.
Qur’an
Zakat recipients (8 categories)
Qur’an 9:60
Defines who Zakat can be given to and clarifies distribution.
Qur’an
Zakat purifies wealth
Qur’an 9:103
Highlights purification and spiritual benefit tied to giving.
Qur’an
Warning against hoarding wealth
Qur’an 9:34 to 9:35
Warns against hoarding and failing to spend in the way of Allah.
Hadith
Islam built upon five pillars (includes Zakat)
Sahih al-Bukhari 8
Places Zakat among the pillars of Islam.
Hadith
Five pillars narration (includes Zakat)
Sahih Muslim 16
Corroborates the pillars narration in Sahih Muslim.
Hadith
Warning against withholding Zakat on wealth
Sahih Muslim 987a
Strong warning regarding withholding Zakat, showing accountability.
Hadith
Nisab thresholds referenced (silver)
Sahih al-Bukhari 1447
Authentic narration commonly cited when discussing nisab thresholds.
Note: Some application details (401(k)/IRA/HSA, taxes, debts, modern assets) can differ by scholarly opinion. Choose a trusted approach and apply it consistently each year.
FAQ
USA zakat questions
Quick answers to common USA-specific questions.
Is zakat obligatory in the USA?▾
Yes. Zakat is tied to your wealth meeting nisab and the conditions of Zakat (commonly hawl: one lunar year). Living in the USA does not remove the obligation.
Should I calculate zakat in USD?▾
If most of your assets and spending are in USD, calculate in USD for clarity. If you hold other currencies, convert them on your Zakat date using a reasonable rate and keep a record.
Do I pay zakat on stocks in a brokerage account?▾
Many Muslims include accessible stock holdings as zakatable wealth. Some scholarly approaches distinguish between long-term investing vs trading or focus on zakatable portions. Choose a scholar-backed method and be consistent each year.
Do I pay zakat on a 401(k) or IRA?▾
Scholars differ due to access restrictions and penalties. Some defer zakat until funds are accessible; others include certain vested portions. If retirement accounts are significant for you, consult a qualified scholar and follow a consistent approach annually.
Can I subtract my mortgage or student loan balance?▾
Many people do not subtract the full remaining long-term balance. A common practical approach is to subtract only near-term amounts due soon. Consult a scholar for a consistent method.
Is paying zakat in Ramadan required?▾
No. Many pay in Ramadan for convenience, but Zakat is due on your Zakat date. You may pay early if helpful; avoid delaying past the due date without a valid reason.
About this Content
Written by the Zakat Finance editorial team. All content is based on authentic Islamic scholarship and is reviewed regularly to ensure accuracy. The content aims to provide guidance on Zakat calculation and does not replace advice from a qualified Islamic scholar.
Last updated: February 2026
Method note: We present common scholarly approaches to Zakat calculation, encouraging consultation with trusted scholars for personal cases.