Our Methodology Transparency in Gold Price Calculation

We believe in complete transparency - learn how we collect and calculate gold prices accurately and professionally

Last Updated: December 01, 2025

Overview

Our Commitment to Transparency

At Zahab Price, we believe transparency is the foundation of trust. This page explains in detail how we collect, calculate, and display gold prices.

Zahab Price is an informational website that displays indicative gold prices in the Saudi market. We use trusted global data sources with advanced statistical algorithms to provide an experience close to real market movement.

Data Source

Metal Price API

We obtain gold price data from Metal Price API (metalpriceapi.com), a specialized service for providing precious metal prices from commercial sources and global banks.

What Metal Price API says about their sources:

"Our data comes from commercial sources and global banks, with a greater focus on commercial sources to more accurately reflect live trading activities"

Update Frequency

Base Data

We fetch the latest prices from Metal Price API every minute. This price is the real base price on which all calculations are built.

Live Fluctuation

Between base updates (every minute), we display smart fluctuations every 0.8-7 seconds depending on market activity to simulate real movement.

Smart Fluctuation

Important Disclosure

Fluctuations displayed between updates are smart statistical estimates and do not represent actual trading prices. The base price updated every minute is the real price from our sources.

Why Do We Use Smart Fluctuation?

Metal Price API data is updated every minute. But in reality, gold prices move continuously. To provide an experience closer to the real market and avoid displaying a fixed price for a full minute, we use a statistical algorithm that adds small fluctuations based on actual data.

How Does the Algorithm Work?

1

Trend Analysis

We use Linear Regression to analyze price trend from the last 60 minutes: upward, downward, or stable

2

Volatility Calculation

We calculate Standard Deviation for the last 60 minutes to determine the actual price volatility level

3

Smart Fluctuation

We add small fluctuations that align with the trend and actual volatility:

  • Upward trend: 60% chance of increase, 40% decrease
  • Downward trend: 60% chance of decrease, 40% increase
  • Stable: Small random fluctuation
4

Convergence to Real Price (Interpolation)

With each update, we move the displayed price by 30% towards the new real price, to ensure it doesn't deviate from the actual price

Fluctuation Frequency by Market Activity

High Activity

Fluctuation every 0.8 - 1.5 seconds

Medium Activity

Fluctuation every 1.5 - 3 seconds

Low Activity

Fluctuation every 3 - 7 seconds

Price Calculation Method

1. Base Price (USD/Ounce)

We obtain the raw gold price (24 karat) in US dollars per ounce from Metal Price API

2. Convert to Grams

We convert the price from ounces to grams:

Price per gram (USD) = Price per ounce ÷ 31.1035

3. Convert to Saudi Riyal

We multiply the price by the dollar to riyal exchange rate:

Price per gram (SAR) = Price per gram (USD) × Exchange Rate

4. Calculate Different Karats

We calculate karat prices based on pure gold percentage:

24K = Base Price × (24 ÷ 24) = 100%
22K = Base Price × (22 ÷ 24) = 91.67%
21K = Base Price × (21 ÷ 24) = 87.5%
18K = Base Price × (18 ÷ 24) = 75%

5. Bullion Prices

We add a reasonable profit margin for bullion based on weight (heavier bullion has lower margins)

Why Might Prices Differ from Jewelry Shops?

Profit Margin

Each jewelry shop adds its own profit margin based on location and expenses

Manufacturing and Craftsmanship Fees

Gold items include manufacturing fees that vary based on design and quality

Update Timing

Some shops update their prices only once or twice daily

Buying and Selling Policies

Selling prices differ from buying prices at jewelry shops

Important Tip

Use our prices as an indicative reference to know the general market trend, but always verify the final price directly from the jewelry shop before completing a purchase or sale.

Our Commitment to Accuracy and Reliability

Regular Updates

We fetch base data every minute from trusted sources

Verified Algorithms

All calculation formulas are carefully reviewed and tested

Complete Transparency

We explain our methodology in detail and do not hide any information

Clear Disclosure

We clarify that fluctuations are statistical estimates and not actual trading prices

Important Notice

All prices and information displayed on the "Zahab Price" website are for informational and indicative purposes only. We are not financial advisors and do not provide investment recommendations. Please review the Disclaimer page for more details.