How much is platinum in a catalytic converter worth?
In most catalytic converters, the platinum portion is a small fraction of the total metal value, typically worth only a few tens of dollars at current prices. The exact amount varies by vehicle and catalyst design, and metal prices fluctuate daily.
What a catalytic converter is and what metals it contains
A catalytic converter uses precious metals from the platinum group to speed up chemical reactions that reduce exhaust pollutants. The three main PGMs involved are platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh). In modern gasoline vehicles, palladium and rhodium are often the primary catalysts, with platinum playing a smaller or more variable role depending on the design and region. Diesel catalysts have different formulations and can include different loadings of these metals. Because metal prices shift daily, the monetary value of the metals inside any given converter can change quickly.
How much platinum is typically in a converter?
The platinum content in a typical gasoline catalytic converter is relatively small and varies by model and year. Broadly speaking, Pt loading often falls in the range of a few tenths to about a couple of grams per converter. In many modern designs, Pt may comprise roughly a fraction of a gram to around 1 gram, with some variants containing a bit more or less. Because modern catalysts rely more on palladium and rhodium, the platinum portion tends to be smaller than those metals, though older or specialty converters can have higher Pt loadings.
Before evaluating the numbers, it’s important to note that the exact Pt amount depends on vehicle type, engine family, and the manufacturer’s catalyst formulation. The following factors influence how much platinum a converter may contain and, therefore, how much it is worth.
- Vehicle type and engine technology (gasoline three-way catalysts versus diesel or specialty systems).
- Converter design and stage (single-stage versus multi-layer or multi-stage catalysts).
- Model year and regional emissions standards, which drive different material loadings.
- Manufacturer and aftermarket options, which can vary in Pt content.
In summary, platinum’s share in a converter is typically a small portion of the total PGM load, and the exact grams can vary widely from model to model.
Estimating the current value of platinum in a converter
To estimate the value of the platinum itself, you need two numbers: the platinum weight inside the converter and the current price of platinum per gram. Prices for platinum change daily on metal markets, and the same converter may yield a different value over time.
- Determine the Pt load by model information or a reputable metals lab analysis. A typical gasoline converter may contain roughly 0.3–1.5 grams of platinum, though some variants can differ outside this range.
- Check the current platinum price per gram from a reliable financial source (for example, precious metals market data). If Pt is about $30–$40 per gram, you can multiply the weight by that price.
- Calculate value: Pt weight (in grams) × Pt price per gram. Example: 0.8 g × $35/g ≈ $28.
- Consider refining or processing costs if you’re selling as scrap; the total payout may be reduced by assay and handling fees, or by the presence of other metals in the converter.
Example: If a converter contains 0.8 grams of platinum and platinum trades around $35 per gram, the platinum portion is worth about $28 at the metal market. If prices rise to $40 per gram, the value increases to about $32. Conversely, a converter with only 0.3 grams of Pt would be around $9–$12 at that price range, illustrating how small changes in weight and price matter.
Market dynamics matter. Platinum prices move with broader precious metals markets, and the value of the platinum in a catalytic converter can swing with price spikes or declines. In addition, criminals sometimes target converters when prices are high, which can influence availability and pricing in secondary markets.
Summary: The platinum fraction inside a typical catalytic converter is small, often well under a gram to about a gram or so, and its dollar value depends on current Pt prices and the exact Pt load. Real-world worth today is usually tens of dollars, not hundreds, though individual cases can vary significantly.
Summary of key takeaway: The platinum portion in a catalytic converter is a small, price-sensitive component. To estimate its value, multiply the Pt weight by the current price per gram, and adjust for any refining or sale costs. Always consider that prices change daily and that converter designs differ across vehicles.
