Daily Salt Intake Calculator

How much salt should you eat per day? This calculator estimates your recommended daily sodium intake based on your age, activity level, and health conditions.

Recommended Daily Intake

2300

mg sodium

5.8g

salt

1.0

tsp table salt

This is an estimate. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Understanding Your Daily Salt Intake

The World Health Organization recommends less than 5 grams of salt (2,000mg sodium) per day for adults. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300mg sodium daily, with an ideal limit of 1,500mg for most adults. The average person actually consumes about 3,400mg sodium daily, well above both recommendations.

Over 70% of dietary sodium comes from processed and restaurant foods, not from the salt shaker. Reading nutrition labels and cooking more meals at home are the most effective strategies for reducing sodium intake. Athletes and people who sweat heavily may need more sodium to replace losses, especially during prolonged exercise in hot conditions.

People with hypertension, heart disease, or kidney disease typically benefit from lower sodium intake. However, extremely low sodium diets (below 1,000mg) can also cause health problems. Always work with your healthcare provider to determine the right target for your situation.