Size of a Standard Gold Bar

Gold bars weigh about 25 pounds.

A standard gold bar measures 7 x 3 5/8 x 1 3/4 inches, according to the United States Mint. It weights about 400 ounces, or 25 pounds. The internationally accredited standard dictates it must weigh between 350 and 430 ounces.

Recommended Size

The London Bullion Market (LBMA) defines "London Good Delivery," the international standard for a gold bar, by weight. Size is less important, but the market recommends dimensions of about 10 by 3 1/5 inches for the top surface, 9 3/10 x 2 1/5 inches for the bottom surface and 1 1/2 inches in thickness.

Manufacturers

There are 55 manufacturers in the world that produce about 150,000 gold bars every year that are accepted as London Good Delivery, according to Gold.org. They contain at least 99.5 percent gold. Central banks hold about 2.5 million of these bars around the world.

Gold as a Commodity

Gold is not legal tender. It is not recognized as currency, but is traded as a commodity with a volatile price. Any U.S. bank that acts as principal in gold-related transactions must advise its district Federal Reserve Bank.

References

• United States Mint: The United States Bullion
• World Gold Council: Categories of Gold Bar
• Eagle Traders: Gold Bars
• London Bullion Market Association: Specifications
• World Gold Council: Good Delivery Standard