Estimating Carat Weight of Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

Because of the variations in browser settings, screen resolutions and monitor variations; accurately
showing sizes on a screen is impossible.

Find a template with calibrated holes .. then you can make the following estimates. If you want to use
circle sizes where the diamer is printed, make sure you know whether the measurement is the outside or
inside of the circle.

Diameter - mm Weight - ct
2.2 0.04
3.0 0.10
4.1 0.25
5.2 0.50
6.5 1.00
7.4 1.50
8.2 2.00
9.0 2.50
9.3 3.00
11.0 5.00

For other diameters use the formula

Weight in carats = diameter² x depth x 0.0061

If you cannot measure the depth but the diamond is well proportioned

Weight in carats = diameter³ x 0.0037

All measurements assumed to be in millimeters

Create Your Own Jewelry

The way you alway wanted

Rounds
3mm = .10cts
4mm = .25cts
5mm = .50cts
6mm = .75cts
7mm = 1.25cts
8mm = 2.00cts
9mm = 2.75cts
10mm=3.50cts

Emerald-cut
6x4mm = .50cts
7x5mm = 1.00cts
8x6mm = 1.50cts
 9x7mm = 2.50cts
10x8mm= 3.00cts
11x9mm= 4.00cts
12x10mm= 5.00cts
14x10mm= 6.00cts
14x12mm= 8.00cts
16x12mm= 10.50cts

Ovals
5x3mm = .25cts
6x4mm = .50cts
7x5mm = 1.00cts
8x6mm = 1.50cts
9x7mm = 2.50cts
10x8mm= 3.00cts
11x9mm= 4.00cts
12x10mm= 5.00cts
14x10mm= 6.00cts
14x12mm= 8.00cts
16x12mm= 10.50cts

Squares
5mm = .75cts
6mm = 1.30cts
7mm = 2.05cts
8mm = 2.90cts
9mm = 4.40cts
10mm= 6.00cts
11mm= 8.00cts
12mm= 10.35cts

Pears
6x5mm = .70cts
7x5mm = .75cts
8x5mm = 1.00cts
9x6mm = 1.50cts
10x7mm= 2.00cts
11x7mm= 2.25cts
12x8mm= 3.00cts
13x9mm= 3.50cts
15x10mm= 5.50cts
16x12mm= 8.60cts

Marquise
4x2mm = .10cts
6x3mm = .30cts
8x4mm = .75cts
10x5mm= 1.00cts
12x6mm= 2.00cts
14x7mm= 3.00cts
16x8mm= 4.00cts
18x9mm= 6.00cts

The weights given are for diamonds cut to ideal proportions and are only approximate carat weights.
Colored stones are usually cut with greater volume than diamonds, hence they will weigh more than
the chart sizes, the density and specific gravity of a stone can also affect the carat weight. So, the
point is not to take these figures too literally, but to use them as a starting point for estimating the
carat weight of the gem millimeter size that you are ordering.
Compliments of The International Gem Society

Estimating Weight of Gemstones

You cannot weigh a gem in a setting and it is rarely worth removing. Instead, you
can get a close approximation of the weight by the gem’s volume. In order to use
these formulas, your measurements must be extremely accurate. Careful
observation is also important. All these weights are adjusted by the stones
proportions and it takes a trained eye to make those judgments.
There are two ways to approach this estimation. One can plug their measurement information into a
program that calculates the weight for you, such as: DENDRTICS.COM:WeightEstimator,
or do it manually, as described below:

1. Measure the gem carefully in every direction. Record all your measurements and the
stones shape, making special note of its proportions. Look up the specific gravity for the
stone you are examining.
2. Apply the proper formula for the gem.

ROUND
Diameter X diameter X depth X SG X .0018

OVAL
Diameter X diameter X depth X SG X .0020
(Diameter = average of diagonal, length and width.)

SQUARE
Diameter X diameter X depth X SG X .0024
(Diameter = average of diagonal, length and width.)

SQUARE CUSHION
Diameter X diameter X depth X SG X .0018
(Diameter = average of diagonal, length and width.)

SQUARE step cut

Diameter X diameter X depth X SG X .0023
(Diameter = average of diagonal, length and width.)

SQUARE with cut corners

Diameter X diameter X depth X SG X .0024
(Diameter = average of diagonal, length and width.)

RECTANGLE
Length X width X depth X SG X .0026

RECTANGLE step cut

Length X width X depth X SG X .0025

RECTANGLE with cut corners

Length X width X depth X SG X .0026

RECTANGULAR CUSHION
Diameter X diameter X depth X SG X .0022
(Diameter = Average length and width)

PEAR
Length X width X depth X SG X .0018

HEART
Length X width X depth X SG X .0021

MARQUISE
Length X width X depth X SG X .0017

TRIANGLE
Length X width X depth X SG X .0018

CABOCHONS
 The following books are my recommendations for further study.
They are some of the best available.
If you would like a larger selection, please visit the Book Shop.

How to estimate the carat weight of a faceted gem stone

Step Example for an oval amethyst

1. Measure the length, width and depth of the The stone measures 10mm x 8mm x 4.5mm
stone.
2. Multiply these numbers. 10 (length) x 8 (width) x 4.5 (depth) = 360
3. Look up the specific gravity of the stone Amethyst = 2.66
4. Multiply the previous result by the S.G. 360 x 2.66 = 957.6
5. Look up the cut factor below
6. Multiply the result by the cut factor 957.6 x 0.0020 = 1.9152
7. Round the result to the nearest tenth. The result is the approximate weight of the stone in
carats. This weight is probably within 20 percent of the actual weight. 1.9 carats

Cut Factors

Cut Cut Factor Cut Cut Factor

Round 0.0019 Oval 0.0020
Step Emerald 0.0025 Antique Cushion 0.0023
Cut Corner Square 0.0023 Square Emerald 0.0025
Pear 0.0019 Heart 0.0020
Marquise 0.0029 Triangle 0.0018