How the Salt Converter Works
The Salt Converter divides salt mass by the bulk density of the salt crystal type. The default 1.22 kg/L fits fine table salt.
Pick the salt type
Table, kosher, sea, flaky and rock salts have different crystal shapes.
Enter the density
Use the table: Diamond Crystal kosher salt weighs less than half as much per spoon as table salt.
Enter the mass
Type the salt weight in kilograms.
Read the volume
Convert liters to teaspoons or tablespoons for seasoning.
Salt Converter Formula
The salt formula is V = m ÷ ρsalt. Crystal shape, not chemistry, sets the difference: every salt here is sodium chloride (NaCl) at 2.16 kg/L per crystal.
- ρsalt
- Bulk density of the salt type, kg/L
Worked Examples
- Table salt: 1 kg ÷ 1.22 = 820 mL.
- 1 tsp table salt: 4.93 mL × 1.22 = 6.0 g.
- 1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher: 4.93 mL × 0.57 = 2.8 g, under half the salt.
Salt Converter Conversion Table
1 teaspoon of table salt weighs about 6.0 g. The table lists 7 salt types by bulk density and spoon weight.
| Salt Type | Density (kg/L) | Grams per tsp | Grams per tbsp | Liters per 1 kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flaky sea salt (Maldon) | 0.550 | 2.7 | 8.1 | 1.818 |
| Diamond Crystal kosher | 0.570 | 2.8 | 8.4 | 1.754 |
| Morton kosher | 1.020 | 5.0 | 15.1 | 0.980 |
| Coarse sea salt | 1.150 | 5.7 | 17.0 | 0.870 |
| Fine sea salt | 1.200 | 5.9 | 17.7 | 0.833 |
| Table salt (iodized) | 1.220 | 6.0 | 18.0 | 0.820 |
| Rock salt (de-icing) | 1.300 | 6.4 | 19.2 | 0.769 |
What is a Salt Converter?
A Salt Converter is a calculator that converts salt weight into volume using the bulk density of the salt crystal type.
Table salt forms small dense cubes that pack tightly. Diamond Crystal kosher salt forms hollow pyramid flakes, and Maldon salt forms thin pyramids, so both leave large air gaps.
A recipe calling for "1 tablespoon of kosher salt" can mean 8.4 g or 15.1 g depending on the brand. Weighing salt removes that 80% swing.
What are the Uses of a Salt Converter?
There are 4 main uses of a Salt Converter.
Recipe seasoning
Cooks swap kosher salt for table salt without oversalting.
Curing and brining
Charcutiers convert salt weights into spoon measures.
Water softeners
Owners convert salt bag weights into tank volume.
Road salt storage
Councils size salt barns from tonnes of rock salt.