Daily Sodium Limit Calculator
Enter your age and a guideline to see how much sodium per day it recommends, plus the equivalent amount of table salt and a comparison with average US intake.
Result
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Daily sodium limit
— mg sodium
- Table salt
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- Level teaspoons
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- Average US intake
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Published guideline figures only. Your individual target comes from a clinician.
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How much sodium per day is recommended?
How much sodium per day you need depends on the guideline and, for the US Dietary Guidelines, age. The calculator publishes the supplied limits for US Dietary Guidelines, the American Heart Association ideal for most adults, and the World Health Organization.
The average sodium intake in the United States is about 3,400 mg per day, well above every guideline here. More than 70% comes from packaged and restaurant food rather than the salt shaker.
Table salt grams = sodium mg × 2.5 ÷ 1,000; teaspoons = sodium mg ÷ 2,300 These are published guideline figures, not a personal prescription. People with kidney disease, heart failure or certain medications may have a different target, and some people need more sodium. Your individual target comes from a clinician; do not change a prescribed diet based on this calculator.
Daily sodium limit FAQ
How much sodium per day do adults need to stay under?
The US Dietary Guidelines and FDA Daily Value use less than 2,300 mg per day for adults and children 14 and over. WHO uses less than 2,000 mg per day for adults.
How does age change the US sodium limit?
The age-based limits are 1,200 mg for ages 1–3, 1,500 mg for ages 4–8, 1,800 mg for ages 9–13, and 2,300 mg for ages 14 and over.
How much table salt is 2,300 mg of sodium?
It is about 5.7 g of table salt, or one level teaspoon. Salt contains about 40% sodium by mass.
Why is average US sodium intake higher than the limit?
Average US intake is about 3,400 mg per day. More than 70% comes from packaged and restaurant food rather than salt added at the table.
Should I use this target if I have a medical condition?
No. Kidney disease, heart failure, certain medications and other circumstances can change an individual target; some people need more sodium. Ask your clinician what target applies to you.