How much sodium do you need?
Sodium is an essential mineral involved in fluid balance, nerve signaling, and muscle function, but most people consume far more than they need. Nutrition authorities set two benchmarks: an Adequate Intake (AI), the amount that meets basic physiological needs, and a recommended daily limit aimed at reducing the risk of chronic disease from excess intake.
How this calculator works
Enter your age and the calculator looks up the standard AI and recommended daily limit for your age group, based on published dietary reference values. For most adults, the recommended limit is 2,300 mg per day (about one teaspoon of table salt), while older adults have the same limit but a slightly lower minimum adequate intake.
If you enter your typical daily sodium intake, the calculator shows it as a percentage of your recommended limit so you can see at a glance whether you are within, near, or over the target range.
This tool is for general educational and dietary planning purposes only. People with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or other conditions may need a different sodium target set by their healthcare provider.