Tola, Vori and Other Traditional Gold Measurements
While most of the world measures gold in grams and ounces, many regions still rely on traditional weight units with deep cultural roots. Two of the most widely known are tola and vori — but they’re not the only ones. Let’s explore these fascinating measures and how they relate to modern standards.
1. What Is a Tola?
The tola (also spelled tolah) originated in the Indian subcontinent during the Mughal period. It was used for weighing precious metals and gemstones, and remains popular in India, Pakistan, Nepal, and parts of the Middle East.
1 tola ≈ 11.6638 grams.
Jewelers often round it to 11.66 g for convenience.
Gold is commonly sold in bars or ornaments measured in half, one, or two tolas — especially in traditional South Asian jewelry markets.
2. What Is a Vori?
The vori (also spelled bhori) is the traditional gold weight used in Bangladesh. It’s derived from the same tola system and effectively equivalent to one tola.
1 vori = 1 tola = 11.664 grams (approx.)
In Bangladesh, gold prices are still quoted “per vori,” especially in local markets and media.
3. Other Traditional Gold Units Around the World
- Baht (Thailand): 1 baht = 15.244 grams of gold. Common in Thai jewelry and bullion trade.
- Chi (Vietnam): 1 chi = 3.75 grams. 10 chi = 1 tael.
- Tael (East Asia): 1 tael = 37.5 grams (Hong Kong tael), but varies regionally.
- Don (Korea): 1 don = 3.75 grams, used mainly for jewelry and investment bars.
- Mace & Candareen (historic China): 1 mace = 3.78 grams, 10 candareens = 1 mace.
4. Conversion Table
| Unit | Approx. grams | Used in |
|---|---|---|
| Tola | 11.66 g | India, Pakistan, Nepal |
| Vori (Bhori) | 11.66 g | Bangladesh |
| Baht | 15.24 g | Thailand |
| Chi | 3.75 g | Vietnam |
| Tael (Hong Kong) | 37.5 g | China, Hong Kong |
| Don | 3.75 g | Korea |
5. Modern Relevance
Despite metrication, these traditional measures persist in gold trading and cultural contexts. They reflect not only local habits but also centuries of heritage in jewelry craftsmanship and commerce.
When converting between traditional and metric units, use trusted scales or conversion tools— especially if buying gold abroad.
Related Reading
To better understand how these traditional units relate to gold purity, see our article: Understanding Gold Hallmarks: 24K, 22K, 18K, 14K .
In short: Whether measured in tola, vori, or baht — gold remains the universal language of value.
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