When we think of a gold ingot, we often picture heist scenes in movies, with golden bricks stacked in vaults. But in reality, how much does a gold ingot actually weigh?
The answer is: There is not a single weight. From the small 1-gram plaque to the 12-kilo interbank bar, investment gold comes in many formats.
⚡ In Brief: Standard Weights
Ingot Type Weight Use "Good Delivery" bar 12.4 kg (400 ounces) Central Banks Kilobar ingot 1 kg Wealthy Investors Ingot 5g, 10g, 20g, 50g Accessible Savings Mini-Ingot 1g, 2.5g Gift / First purchase
In this guide, we break down the different formats to help you choose the one that fits your budget.
1. The Myth: The 12.4 kg (400 oz) Bar
That's the one we see in the movies.
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Exact weight: 400 troy ounces, or approximately 12.44 kilograms .
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Size : About the size of a milk carton.
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Price : Next to €1,600,000 (according to the course).
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For whom? States and major central banks. This is not a product for individuals.
2. The Standard: The 1 kg Ingot
It's the benchmark in France.
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Weight : 1000 grams .
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Size : Smaller than a smartphone (approx. 11 cm x 5 cm). Gold is a very dense metal: a small volume weighs a lot.
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For whom? Investors who want to invest a large sum (approx. €135,500) in one go.
3. The "Ingots": Gold Accessible to All
This is the revolution of investment gold. Today, refiners like Heimerle + Millstone produce small weight ingots, certified LBMA (market grade), to make gold accessible to individuals.
That's what we offer at The Girl from the South .
The 5 Gram Ingot (The Best-Seller)
This is the ideal weight to start with.
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Weight : 5g of 999.9 Pure Gold.
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Size : Like a small SIM card or a stamp.
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Advantage : It allows you to buy gold regularly (smoothing savings) without spending an astronomical sum.
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Liquidity: It is very easy to resell individually if money is needed.
💎 See our 5g Heimerle Ingot + Grinding Wheel >
The 2.5 Gram Ingot (The Gift)
Even more accessible.
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Weight : 2.5g of Pure Gold.
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Usage: It's the perfect gift for a christening, communion, or to introduce a loved one to investing. It's a "lifelong" gift that will appreciate in value.
💎 Check if the 2.5g Ingot is in stock >
4. Why is weight important? (The Bonus)
The price of a gold bar is not simply 'Weight x Gold Price'. You must add the prime (Manufacturing cost). To find out the exact current market prices for each format, consult our report: What is the price of a gold bar in 2026?
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Large ingot (1kg): Low premium (cheaper per gram).
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Small ingot (5g): Higher premium (because it costs as much to manufacture and seal as a large one).
But be careful: Don't necessarily aim for the biggest! Having 10 ingots of 100g is smarter than a single 1kg ingot, because you can resell them little by little according to your needs.
Conclusion: What weight should I choose?
Don't be impressed by the movie gold bars.
A smart investment is one that matches your savings.
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Do you want to secure a few hundred euros? Aim for 2.5g or 5g.
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Do you want to secure a few thousand euros? Accumulate several 5g ingots.
At the house of La Fille du Sud , we have chosen to offer you these small certified formats because they offer the best flexibility.
Ready to make your mark in the game?
💎 Discover our LBMA Certified Gold Bars >
Quick FAQ
What is the size of a 1kg ingot?
It's surprisingly small! Approximately 11.5 cm long by 5 cm wide and less than 1 cm thick. Gold is twice as dense as lead.
Does a 5g ingot have the same value as 5g in a 1kg ingot?
Yes, it's the same gold (24 carats), the purest gold that exists, unlike the 18k gold in jewelry. (To understand this nuance of purity, read: Which Gold to Choose? Carat Comparison > . The only difference is the manufacturing cost (the premium), which is slightly higher for the smaller size.
How can I tell if the weight is correct?
Our ingots are sold in sealed blister packs with the weight and purity (999.9) engraved on them and certified.