The sources that talk about Gold Weight in DnD 5e are few and far in-between. Yet, there are still a few things that we can use if nothing at least for reference.
That is why in this article we will try to answer how much gold weighs, in what forms it comes, and its uses.
First of all, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way. The problem when talking about this particular question is the way weight works. 1 unit of weight in whichever measurement system we use equals 1 unit of weight, no matter the material. The difference is in the volume of the material we are looking at. As such, 100 grams of iron will be much more in volume than 100 grams of gold, all thanks to the way their molecules work and the composition of their elements.
Regardless, let’s get into the article. With the elephant in the room kicked out.
Table of Contents
The Forms in which we find Gold in DnD 5e
Starting off. The most common form in which we find gold in DnD 5e is the common gold coin. It’s quite literally everywhere. It’s used as a reference for the cost of almost everything.
The only thing that is worth less than a gold coin is a silver coin, which is used to denote less expensive things than gold coins.
With bronze coins being the currency with the smallest value.
The other form we find gold in is gold bars. Now, I won’t be able to do the math right now as this really is just a general category. Gold bars can come in many different shapes and sizes – all differentiating in diameter, length, height, etc…
Basically, gold bars can be anything from a few ounces up to a few pounds.
What is a constant though, and doesn’t differ is the size of a cubic foot. Which is the last form in which we find gold.
Now, this doesn’t mean that people have cubic feets worth of gold lying around. It’s just the reference point for large amounts of gold. Say you have a situation where you as a DM have to explain the amount of gold there is in the mine you are exploring. In this case, it’s best to use cubic feet to convey that.
With that answered, let’s answer the most important question.
The Weight of Gold in DnD 5e
Let’s go through the previous sequence again, in the same order, so that we get the best understanding.
Put simply, when DnD was being designed, the developers intended a single gold coin to weigh as much as an United States half-dollar coin, or about 50 cents. So if you have 50 cents on hand you can basically get a feel for it right away.
More specifically, it weighs 11.5 grams and has a diameter of 30.6 mm.
There’s one problem though.
Well, not as much of a “problem” as it’s the way things are in DnD.
In DnD, weight is calculated in avoirdupois ounces and pounds, and Troy ounces and pounds. This adds an extra layer of challenge as you have to now learn an entirely new measurement system if you want to be 100% lore accurate. Good luck.
For gold bars, I’ll just rephrase what was said above. Gold bars can vary in size, shape, form, whatever. So it’s difficult to pin them down with specific metrics. Just know that they can vary from a few ounces to a few pounds.
And the last item on the list. A cubic foot’s weight of gold. This is easy, it’s exactly 1,200 pounds. Or about 2 and a half times that of the weight of steel. Since the weight of steel is used as a reference in the world of DnD.
The Uses of Gold
Does this point even need a discussion?
Gold… is simply marvelous. It is sought out by almost all the races as a valuable commodity – and especially so by Dragons.
Gold can be used to conduct transactions across the whole known world, with its value remaining at a constant.
On top of its use within the monetary system. It can be used in crafting, from trinkets and baubles – to useful tools and items which can hold great value and power.
That basically covers gold in all its important aspects, consider checking out our site 5eguide for further guides on a range of topics regarding DnD 5e.
