Salt Density Reference Charts
Complete weight-per-volume data for every salt type. Understanding density differences is crucial for recipe accuracy — a tablespoon of one salt can contain twice as much as another.
The Critical Insight
A tablespoon is NOT a tablespoon when it comes to salt.
Diamond Crystal kosher salt is so light that 1 tablespoon weighs only 8.4g, while the same tablespoon of table salt weighs 18g — more than double! This is why professional recipes specify salt by weight or brand.
Visual Density Comparison
Grams per Teaspoon (Most to Least Dense)
How Much Does a Teaspoon of Salt Weigh?
There is no single answer, which is exactly why this page exists. A level teaspoon of table salt weighs about 6.0g; the same teaspoon of Diamond Crystal kosher salt weighs about 2.8g — less than half. Anyone searching for "the" weight of a teaspoon of salt is usually holding one of these:
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 1 tablespoon | Sodium per teaspoon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Table salt (fine, iodized) | 6.0g | 18.0g | ~2,325mg |
| Fine sea salt | 5.5g | 16.5g | ~2,130mg |
| Celtic grey (sel gris) | 5.0g | 15.0g | ~1,670mg |
| Fleur de sel | 5.0g | 15.0g | ~1,900mg |
| Morton kosher | 4.8g | 14.4g | ~1,860mg |
| Diamond Crystal kosher | 2.8g | 8.4g | ~1,085mg |
| Maldon flakes | 2.5g | 7.5g | ~970mg |
Two practical rules follow. First, if a recipe just says "1 tsp salt" with no brand, it almost always means fine table salt at ~6g. Second, a coarse or flaky salt cannot be swapped teaspoon-for-teaspoon into a recipe written for table salt — you will under-salt by half. Weigh it, or run the numbers through the salt conversion calculator. To turn any of these weights into milligrams of sodium against a daily limit, use the salt to sodium calculator.
Complete Density Chart - Common Salts
| Salt Type | g/tsp | g/tbsp | g/cup | Density (g/mL) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Crystal Kosher | 2.8 | 8.4 | 135 | 0.56 | Lightest common salt |
| Morton Kosher | 4.8 | 14.4 | 230 | 0.96 | 71% denser than Diamond |
| Table Salt (Fine) | 6.0 | 18.0 | 288 | 1.20 | Densest common salt |
| Sea Salt (Fine) | 5.5 | 16.5 | 264 | 1.10 | Similar to table salt |
| Sea Salt (Coarse) | 5.0 | 15.0 | 240 | 1.00 | Variable by brand |
| Maldon Sea Salt | 2.5 | 7.5 | 120 | 0.50 | Pyramid flakes |
| Fleur de Sel | 5.0 | 15.0 | 240 | 1.00 | Moist, clumps |
| Celtic Grey Salt | 5.0 | 15.0 | 240 | 1.00 | Very moist |
| Himalayan Pink (Fine) | 5.5 | 16.5 | 264 | 1.10 | Like fine sea salt |
| Himalayan Pink (Coarse) | 5.0 | 15.0 | 240 | 1.00 | For grinders |
| Pickling Salt | 6.0 | 18.0 | 288 | 1.20 | Same as table, no additives |
| Popcorn Salt | 6.2 | 18.6 | 298 | 1.24 | Extra fine powder |
| Pretzel Salt | 4.5 | 13.5 | 216 | 0.90 | Large crystals |
| Black Hawaiian | 5.0 | 15.0 | 240 | 1.00 | With activated charcoal |
| Red Hawaiian (Alaea) | 5.2 | 15.6 | 250 | 1.04 | With red clay |
| Smoked Salt | 5.0 | 15.0 | 240 | 1.00 | Varies by base salt |
| Cyprus Flake | 2.5 | 7.5 | 120 | 0.50 | Like Maldon |
| Kala Namak (Black Salt) | 5.3 | 15.9 | 254 | 1.06 | Indian, sulfur notes |
Why Density Varies So Much
Crystal Shape
- Cubic crystals (table salt): Pack tightly with minimal air gaps
- Flat flakes (Morton): Stack like plates, moderately dense
- Hollow pyramids (Diamond Crystal): Trap air, very light
- Irregular chunks (sea salt): Variable packing, medium density
Processing Method
- Vacuum evaporation: Creates uniform, dense crystals
- Solar evaporation: Creates irregular, less dense crystals
- Mechanical compression: Increases density (Morton process)
- Hand harvesting: Preserves delicate, low-density structure
Moisture Content
- Dry salts: Flow freely, consistent volume
- Moist salts (Celtic, Fleur de Sel): Clump together, variable density
- Hygroscopic salts: Absorb moisture, density changes over time
Quick Conversion Rules
Diamond → Morton
Use 2/3 the amount
1 tbsp DC = 2 tsp Morton
Diamond → Table
Use 1/2 the amount
1 tbsp DC = 1.5 tsp table
Morton → Table
Use 3/4 the amount
1 tbsp Morton = 2.25 tsp table
Any Salt by Weight
10g = 10g always
Weight eliminates confusion
Specialty Salt Densities
| Specialty Salt | g/tsp | g/tbsp | Density (g/mL) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sel Gris (Gray Salt) | 5.2 | 15.6 | 1.04 | Finishing, roasting |
| Murray River Pink | 2.3 | 6.9 | 0.46 | Delicate finishing |
| Persian Blue | 5.0 | 15.0 | 1.00 | Specialty finishing |
| Bamboo Salt | 5.5 | 16.5 | 1.10 | Korean cuisine |
| Svanetian Salt | 4.8 | 14.4 | 0.96 | Georgian spice blend |
| Danish Viking Salt | 5.0 | 15.0 | 1.00 | Cold smoking |
| Flavored Salts (avg) | 4.5-5.5 | 13.5-16.5 | 0.90-1.10 | Varies by additives |
Practical Application
For Recipe Writers
- Always specify the salt type OR give weight measurements
- If using kosher salt, specify Diamond Crystal or Morton
- Consider providing conversions for common alternatives
- For baking, always use weight for precision
For Home Cooks
- Know which salt the recipe assumes (usually Diamond Crystal for modern recipes)
- When in doubt, start with less and adjust to taste
- Keep a conversion chart in your kitchen
- Consider buying a kitchen scale ($15-20) to eliminate confusion
The Science of Packing Density
The way salt crystals pack together determines density:
Packing Efficiency
- Cubic crystals: ~74% space efficiency (table salt)
- Irregular crystals: ~60% space efficiency (sea salt)
- Flat flakes: ~55% space efficiency (Morton)
- Hollow pyramids: ~30% space efficiency (Diamond Crystal)
This explains why Diamond Crystal is so light — 70% of its volume is air!
Bottom Line
Salt density varies by 250% between types. A tablespoon is a terrible measurement for salt unless you know exactly which type is being used. This single misunderstanding causes more recipe failures than any other seasoning issue.
The solution? Either stick to one salt type consistently, maintain a conversion chart, or invest in a kitchen scale. Professional kitchens weigh salt for a reason — it's the only way to ensure consistency.