The total amount of gold ever mined throughout history is estimated to be around 212,582 metric tons as of the end of 2023, according to the World Gold Council. If all this gold were melted into a single cube, it would measure about 73 feet on each side, or fill roughly four and a half Olympic-sized swimming pools
. In terms of gold reserves held by countries and central banks, global official gold holdings exceed approximately 36,700 metric tons in 2025. The United States holds the largest official gold reserve with about 8,133.5 metric tons, followed by Germany (3,352 tons), Italy (2,452 tons), France (2,437 tons), Russia (2,336 tons), and China (2,280 tons)
. Additionally, the known mineable gold reserves remaining underground worldwide are estimated at about 57,000 metric tons, though this figure could be higher as some deposits are currently inaccessible with existing technology
. The total mine reserves of gold worldwide stood at around 64,000 metric tons as of 2024, reflecting the gold still available to be mined
. To summarize:
- Total gold mined historically: ~212,582 metric tons
- Global official gold reserves held by countries: ~36,700 metric tons (2025)
- Largest holder: United States with ~8,133.5 metric tons
- Known mineable gold reserves underground: ~57,000 metric tons
- Total mine reserves (including unmined gold): ~64,000 metric tons (2024)
This scarcity and concentration of gold contribute to its high value and importance as a financial asset worldwide
