Sodium Intake Calculator

Most adults should stay under 2,300 mg per day, equivalent to about 1 level teaspoon of salt. The American Heart Association recommends an ideal limit of 1,500 mg per day, particularly for adults with high blood pressure or a family history of cardiovascular disease.

About 5.75 grams of salt, or just over 1 level teaspoon of fine table salt. Sodium makes up 40% of salt by weight, so 1,000 mg of sodium equals 2.5 g of salt. One teaspoon of salt weighs roughly 6 g and contains 2,400 mg of sodium.

The AHA recommends 1,500 mg per day for adults with hypertension. Trials show this level can lower systolic blood pressure by 5 to 7 mmHg compared to a typical Western diet of 3,400 mg per day. The DASH-Sodium trial confirmed this effect across most age groups.

The top contributors in the US diet are bread and rolls, deli meats and cured meats, pizza, soups, sandwiches, cheese, pasta dishes, savoury snacks, chicken dishes, and tacos. About 70% of total sodium intake comes from packaged and restaurant foods rather than salt added at the table.

Yes, but it is rare in the typical Western diet. Sodium below 1,500 mg per day combined with heavy sweating, certain blood pressure medications, or kidney conditions can cause hyponatremia (low blood sodium). Symptoms include headache, nausea, confusion, and muscle cramps. Endurance athletes are most at risk.

No. Sea salt and table salt contain about the same amount of sodium per gram, roughly 40% by weight. Coarse-grain salts may feel like they contain less because fewer crystals fit in a measuring spoon, but the per-gram sodium content is unchanged.

Absolutely. Use the "Embed" option above to tailor the dimensions, color scheme, and styling to match your site. Copy the generated iframe snippet and drop it into your HTML, WordPress editor, or any CMS. There is no cost and no account required. See calculory.com/services/embed-calculators for a step-by-step walkthrough.