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Calculation Machine

Sodium Intake Calculator

Track sodium against guideline limits and convert salt to sodium.

Reviewed by James Whitfield · How we check our maths

Your values

ⓘ Live results

Results
Sodium today
3,200 mg
Equivalent salt
8 g (1.41 tsp)
Against WHO limit (2000 mg)
160% — over by 1,200 mg
Against AHA ideal (1500 mg)
213%
Reduction needed for WHO
3 g less salt
Weekly sodium
22,400 mg

Working

  1. 18 g salt x 400 = 3,200 mg sodium

Quick answer

Salt is about 40% sodium: 1 g of salt contains 400 mg of sodium. The WHO limit is 2000 mg of sodium a day, roughly 5 g of salt.

The formula

sodium mg = salt g x 400

Worked example

Worked example

Using the values the calculator loads with.

Inputs

  • Enter asSalt in grams
  • Salt eaten today8 g
  • Sodium eaten today3200 mg

Result

  • Sodium today3,200 mg
  • Equivalent salt8 g (1.41 tsp)
  • Against WHO limit (2000 mg)160% — over by 1,200 mg
  • Against AHA ideal (1500 mg)213%
  • Reduction needed for WHO3 g less salt
  • Weekly sodium22,400 mg

How to use the Sodium Intake Calculator

  1. 1Choose whether your labels list salt in grams or sodium in milligrams.
  2. 2Add up everything for the day, including bread, sauces and processed food.
  3. 3Compare with the 2000 mg guideline and target the biggest single contributor first.

Frequently asked questions

Why do labels differ between salt and sodium?

European labels usually list salt, US labels list sodium. Multiply sodium in grams by 2.5 for salt, or salt in grams by 400 for sodium in mg.

Does cutting sodium lower blood pressure?

For most people yes — a 1000 mg daily reduction typically lowers systolic pressure by a few mmHg, and more in salt-sensitive individuals.

About this calculator