The 960-Point Traditional Scale vs Modern 1,000-Point Decimal System
A frequent source of dispute during retail jewelry transactions in Bangladesh is the point unit. When a jeweler quotes a gold ring as weighing "30 points," does that mean 30 points on the traditional 960 scale or 30 points on a 1,000 scale? Understanding the distinction protects buyers from significant financial discrepancies:
The historical duodecimal metric utilized by Bengali goldsmiths, wholesale bullion traders in Tanti Bazar, and authorized BAJUS showrooms. It is built upon anatomical subdivisions where 1 Vori contains 16 Ana, 1 Ana contains 6 Roti, and 1 Roti contains 10 Points.
Commonly programmed into imported digital weighing balances to simplify computerized arithmetic. Here, 1 Vori (or Tola) is divided into 1,000 equal decimal micro-fractions, where 1 point equals exactly 0.001 vori.
Why Confusing 960 and 1,000 Scales Can Cost You Money
The mathematical difference between the two systems is exactly 4.17% ((1000 - 960) ÷ 960 = 4.167%). This is not a trivial rounding error:
At prevailing gold rates exceeding ৳240,000 per vori, that 0.020 vori shortfall represents a difference of approximately ৳4,800 to ৳5,000. Always ensure that the point scale on your showroom invoice matches the physical scale readout.
Traditional Weight Units and Metric Conversion Chart
| Unit Name | Vori Equivalent | 960 Mode Points | 1,000 Mode Points | Metric Gram Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Vori (Bhori) | 1.000 Vori | 960 Points | 1,000 Points | 11.6638 grams |
| 8 Ana (Half Vori) | 0.500 Vori | 480 Points | 500 Points | 5.8319 grams |
| 4 Ana (Quarter Vori) | 0.250 Vori | 240 Points | 250 Points | 2.9160 grams |
| 1 Ana | 0.0625 Vori | 60 Points | 62.50 Points | 0.72898 grams |
| 1 Roti | 0.0104 Vori | 10 Points | 10.417 Points | 0.12150 grams |
| 1 Traditional Point | 0.00104 Vori | 1 Point | 1.0417 Points | 0.01215 grams |
| 1 Gram of Gold | 0.08573 Vori | 82.31 Points | 85.73 Points | 1.0000 gram |
Mathematical Formulas for Bidirectional Conversion
Total Points = (Vori × 960) + (Ana × 60) + (Roti × 10) + Points
Example: 1 Vori 2 Ana 3 Roti 5 Points = (1 × 960) + (2 × 60) + (3 × 10) + 5 = 960 + 120 + 30 + 5 = 1,115 Points.
Market Value (BDT) = (Total Points ÷ 960) × Karat Rate per Vori
Example: 120 Points at ৳240,000/vori 22K = (120 ÷ 960) × 240,000 = 0.125 × 240,000 = ৳30,000.
Step-by-Step Guide to Verifying Cash Memos
- Inspect the Gram Scale Reading: Check the electronic scale readout in decimal grams (e.g. 14.58 grams).
- Convert Grams to Vori: Divide the gram weight by 11.6638 (14.58 ÷ 11.6638 = 1.250 vori).
- Calculate Traditional Sub-Units: 1.250 vori = 1 Vori and 0.25 vori remaining. 0.25 × 16 = exactly 4 Ana.
- Check the Point Designation: Verify whether the points written on the cash memo reflect 960-point traditional fractions or digital decimals.
- Cross-Check the Base Rate: Ensure the per-vori price matches the official BAJUS benchmark announced for that day before adding making charges and 5% VAT.
Explore Complementary Bullion Calculators
Complete your jewelry valuation and weight calculations with our suite of specialized bullion tools:
Traditional weight equations, duodecimal point conversions, and decimal electronic scale metrics are verified against official circulars from the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) and trade conventions established in Tanti Bazar, Old Dhaka. Curated and reviewed by Senior Bullion Analyst Mehedi Hasan.
