Carat vs. Tola: What's the Difference?
By Janet White & Harlon Moss || Updated on May 23, 2024
Carat is a unit of weight for gemstones, equal to 200 milligrams, while Tola is a traditional South Asian unit of mass, equivalent to 11.66 grams.
Key Differences
Carat is primarily used to measure the weight of gemstones and pearls. One carat equals 200 milligrams, making it a crucial metric in the jewelry industry. On the other hand, Tola is a traditional unit of mass used mainly in South Asia, particularly for weighing precious metals like gold and silver, where one Tola is equivalent to 11.66 grams.
Carat originated from the carob seed, which was historically used as a reference for weighing gems due to its consistent weight. In contrast, Tola has its origins in ancient Indian systems of measurement and remains a standard unit in countries like India, Pakistan, and Nepal for trading gold and other metals.
Carat is often subdivided into points, where one carat equals 100 points, allowing for precise measurements of smaller gemstones. Meanwhile, Tola is not typically subdivided but can be converted into grams or other metric units for accuracy in modern contexts.
While Carat is universally recognized in the global gem market, Tola is more region-specific, retaining its importance in South Asian markets for precious metals. Carat’s global standardization contrasts with Tola’s regional use, reflecting different historical and cultural practices in measurement.
In jewelry, a diamond’s weight in carats can significantly influence its value, with larger carat weights generally being more valuable. Tola, on the other hand, is commonly used to measure gold in markets and ceremonies, especially in South Asia, influencing both cultural and economic transactions.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Gemstones and pearls
Precious metals
Weight Equivalent
200 milligrams
11.66 grams
Origins
Derived from carob seeds
Ancient Indian systems
Subdivisions
1 carat = 100 points
Not typically subdivided
Global vs. Regional
Universally recognized
Region-specific (South Asia)
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Carat and Tola Definitions
Carat
Common in the jewelry industry.
Jewelers often use carats to measure gems.
Tola
Traditional unit of mass in South Asia.
The gold ring weighs 2 tolas.
Carat
Unit of weight for gemstones.
The diamond weighs 2 carats.
Tola
Used for precious metals.
Gold is often bought in tolas in India.
Carat
Affects gemstone value.
Higher carat weight often means higher value.
Tola
Equivalent to 11.66 grams.
One tola is exactly 11.66 grams.
Carat
Subdivided into points.
A 0.5-carat diamond is 50 points.
Tola
Important in cultural contexts.
Tola is used in traditional ceremonies.
Carat
A unit of weight for precious stones, equal to 200 milligrams.
Tola
Not commonly subdivided.
Tola is typically measured in whole units.
Carat
Variant of karat.
Tola
A unit of weight used in India, equal to the weight of one silver rupee (11.7 grams or 180 troy grains).
Carat
A metric unit of weight equal to exactly 200 mg, chiefly used for measuring precious stones and pearls .
Tola
A unit of mass used in India, equal to the mass of a silver rupee coin, fixed at 180 troy grains ({{11.663 8038 grams}}) in 1833, and of a similar but slightly variable value before that date.
Carat
(historical) Any of several small units of weight used for measuring precious stones and pearls, equivalent to 189–212 mg.
Tola
A weight of British India. The standard tola is equal to 180 grains.
Carat
A 24-point scale used to measure the purity of gold.
18-carat gold is 75% gold by mass. 24k gold is 100% pure.
Carat
The weight by which precious stones and pearls are weighed.
Carat
A twenty-fourth part; - a term used in estimating the proportionate fineness of gold.
Carat
A unit of weight for precious stones = 200 mg
Carat
The unit of measurement for the proportion of gold in an alloy; 18-karat gold is 75% gold; 24-karat gold is pure gold
Carat
Equal to 200 milligrams.
Each carat is precisely 200 milligrams.
FAQs
How many milligrams are in one carat?
One carat is 200 milligrams.
What is a carat?
A carat is a unit of weight for gemstones, equal to 200 milligrams.
Where is tola commonly used?
Tola is commonly used in South Asia for weighing precious metals like gold and silver.
What is a tola?
A tola is a traditional South Asian unit of mass, equivalent to 11.66 grams.
What is the historical origin of the tola?
Tola has its origins in ancient Indian systems of measurement.
How many grams are in one tola?
One tola is 11.66 grams.
Can carats be subdivided?
Yes, carats can be subdivided into points; one carat equals 100 points.
Does carat weight affect gemstone value?
Yes, higher carat weight generally increases the gemstone's value.
How is a carat used?
Carat is used to measure the weight of gemstones and pearls.
How precise is carat measurement?
Carat measurement is very precise, down to 0.01 carats.
What industries use carat as a measurement?
The jewelry industry uses carat to measure gemstones and pearls.
Can tola be subdivided?
Tola is not typically subdivided but can be converted to grams.
Is tola used for anything other than precious metals?
Primarily, tola is used for precious metals in South Asia.
What is the historical origin of the carat?
Carat originates from the carob seed, historically used for weighing gems.
Is carat a universally recognized unit?
Yes, carat is universally recognized in the global gem market.
Is tola a universally recognized unit?
No, tola is region-specific, mainly used in South Asia.
Does tola weight affect gold value?
Yes, the weight of gold in tolas affects its value, especially in South Asia.
Is a higher carat weight better for gemstones?
Generally, yes, as it often indicates a larger and more valuable gem.
Which is more globally recognized, carat or tola?
Carat is more globally recognized, while tola is primarily regional.
How precise is tola measurement?
Tola measurement is generally used in whole units but can be converted for precision.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Co-written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
