The short answer: A tablespoon of salt typically weighs about 17 to 18 grams (0.6 ounces). Salt is dense, so a tablespoon carries more weight than many powdered ingredients.
Tablespoon of salt weight by type
A tablespoon of salt weighs differently depending on the type, since fine table salt packs more densely than coarse or flaky salts.
| Type (example) | Typical weight per tablespoon |
|---|---|
| Fine table salt | 17 to 19 g (0.6 to 0.67 oz) |
| Coarse kosher salt | 12 to 15 g (0.42 to 0.53 oz) |
| Coarse sea salt | 14 to 17 g (0.5 to 0.6 oz) |
| Flaky finishing salt | 8 to 12 g (0.28 to 0.42 oz) |
What affects tablespoon of salt weight
- Crystal size. Fine salt packs tightly, while coarse and flaky salts leave air gaps.
- Salt type. Kosher and flaky salts weigh less per spoon than fine table salt.
- Packing. A heaped versus leveled spoon makes a noticeable difference.
- Moisture. Damp salt clumps and can weigh slightly more.
- Additives. Anti-caking agents have a minor effect on density.
How tablespoon of salt weight compares
A tablespoon of table salt weighs about the same as three US nickels, or roughly as much as a single AAA battery.
Frequently asked questions
How many grams of salt are in a teaspoon?
A level teaspoon of fine table salt weighs about 5 to 6 grams, which is roughly a third of a tablespoon.
Does kosher salt weigh less than table salt?
Yes. Kosher salt has larger crystals that leave more air gaps, so a tablespoon weighs less than the same spoon of fine table salt.
How much sodium is in a tablespoon of salt?
A tablespoon of table salt contains roughly 6,900 milligrams of sodium, far above the recommended daily intake for most adults.
