What is a Tola?

If you are looking to invest in gold, then it is important to understand how it is measured. The most common unit of measurement for gold is the troy ounce, which is equal to 31.105 grams. Gold is also measured in grams and kilograms, although this is primarily in Europe. However, there is another unit of measurement that you may not be familiar with – the Tola. The Tola, which is also known as the Tole or Tolah, is used in parts of Asia including India and Singapore. Tola-denominated gold bars are also widely available within the United Arab Emirates. During the time of the British Empire, gold was used as a means of exchange, and the Tola was considered as a base unit to measure some commodities. 

The first use of this term, tola, was during Vedic age, where the weight of seeds and grains was measured in Tolas. The meaning of word “ tola” is “ tol” which refers to a weight, and it is a term that has been taken from Hindu Sanskrit. Originally, the unit of measurement was not precise as it was measured against seeds, and one Tola was equal to around a hundred Ratti seeds.

The Tola has been used as a measure of weight since colonial times. Prior to this, coins could be found issued in Tola weights as early as the 1550s. Today, the Tola is still used as a measuring unit for gold in countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan etc., and this has been the case since 1956. Gold bars are also widely available for purchase in Tola denominations throughout the United Arab Emirates.

Gold's primarly unit of measurement is the troy ounce. This is because gold's price is calculated in US Dollars as the primary currency, and within the USA gold is measured in Troy Ounces. However, gold markets in Asia, and particularly in India, are very strong and relevant to the world gold market. Therefore, it is important for precious metals enthusiasts worldwide to remain aware of all the different units of measurement.