How Much Sodium is in Table Salt?

Understanding sodium content is an important step in taking control of your low sodium lifestyle.

If you’re watching your sodium intake and are still using table salt or are tempted to, knowing exactly how much sodium is in the salt you’re using can have a big impact on your health.

Use fresh ingredients - especially yeast

01

Most table salts are made up of about 40% sodium and 60% chloride. That translates to about 590 mgs of sodium in 1/4 teaspoon.

If your goal is to consume 1,500 mg or less per day of sodium that’s more than 1/3 of your sodium intake for a day.

One teaspoon of table salt can contain as much as 2360 msg of sodium.

Different types of salts may have more or less sodium per 1/4 teaspoon.  The same amount of salt can have more or less sodium depending on the size of the salt grains.

1/4 teaspoon of larger grain salts, like pink Himalayan sea salt and kosher salt, will contain less sodium because fewer of their larger grains will fit into your measuring spoon.

If you are using salt in small quantities, measure the amount you can safely add to your recipe before you start cooking so you can be confident in the amount you’re using.

Subscribe to download your FREE weekly sodium tracker. 

Get more tips for reducing sodium in your diet!