How Do I Calculate Zakat? A Step-by-Step Guide for Australia (2026)

Calculating Zakat may seem complex, but it becomes straightforward when broken into clear steps. In most cases, Zakat is 2.5% of qualifying wealth that you have owned for one full lunar year (Hawl), provided it is above the Nisab threshold.

This guide explains how to calculate Zakat correctly in Australia for 2026.

How Do I Calculate Zakat? A Step-by-Step Guide for Australia (2026)

Calculating Zakat may seem complex, but it becomes straightforward when broken into clear steps. In most cases, Zakat is 2.5% of qualifying wealth that you have owned for one full lunar year (Hawl), provided it is above the Nisab threshold.

This guide explains how to calculate Zakat correctly in Australia for 2026.

Step 1: List your Zakatable assets

Start by listing all assets you have fully owned and controlled for one lunar year. Use the value of what you own on your Zakat due date.

Common Zakatable assets include:

• Cash and savings – money in bank accounts or held as cash

• Gold and silver – jewellery, coins, or bars (only the metal value is Zakatable)

• Shares and investments – current market value

• Business assets – stock held for sale and business cash

• Money owed to you – loans you realistically expect to be repaid

If you’re unsure what counts as Zakatable wealth, see Who is required to pay Zakat?

What about Zakat on superannuation?

Superannuation is a common question for Muslims in Australia.

In general, Zakat is only due on wealth you can currently access. If your superannuation is fully locked until retirement, many scholars say Zakat is not due until it becomes accessible. However, if part of your super is accessible (for example, in certain SMSF situations), that portion may be Zakatable.

For a detailed explanation, read Zakat on superannuation.

Step 2: Subtract immediate liabilities

Next, subtract debts that are currently due from your total assets to find your net Zakatable wealth.

You can usually deduct:

• Short-term debts due now

• Immediate bills (rent, utilities, credit cards due this month)

• Business expenses currently payable

You generally do not deduct the full balance of long-term loans (such as a mortgage) — only the current installment due.

Step 3: Compare your net wealth to the Nisab

Once you have your net Zakatable wealth, compare it to the Nisab threshold.

For 2026, the commonly used benchmarks are approximately:

• Silver Nisab: around $2,280 AUD

• Gold Nisab: around $18,800 AUD

If your net wealth is below Nisab, Zakat is not due.
If it is at or above Nisab, proceed to the final step.

To understand how Nisab works, read What is the Nisab for Zakat?

Step 4: Calculate your Zakat

If your net wealth is above Nisab, calculate 2.5% of that amount.

The formula:
(Total Zakatable Assets – Immediate Liabilities) × 0.025 = Zakat Due

This is the amount you are required to give.

To avoid errors and save time, you can use the Zakat Calculator.

When should I calculate my Zakat?

You should calculate Zakat on your Zakat due date, which is one lunar year after you first reached Nisab.

If you’re unsure about timing, read When is Zakat due?

Pay your Zakat with confidence

Once you’ve calculated your amount, the next step is to Donate Zakat through a verified Zakat-eligible program.

Correct calculation ensures the right of the poor is fulfilled in full.