Brine Calculator
Work out exactly how much salt (and sugar) to dissolve in your water to make a properly balanced wet brine for meat, poultry, or fish.
What this calculator does
A wet brine is a solution of salt (and often sugar) dissolved in water that seasons food and helps it retain moisture during cooking. This calculator works out the exact weight of salt and sugar to dissolve in your chosen amount of water to hit a target salinity, so your brine is consistent every time instead of guessed by eye.
How the math works
Brine strength is expressed as a percentage of the water’s weight. Since 1 liter of water weighs about 1000 grams, a 5% brine needs 50 grams of salt per liter of water. The calculator simply multiplies your water weight by the chosen percentage for salt, and by your chosen percentage for sugar, then converts the result into ounces and approximate tablespoons for convenience.
- 3-5% is a common range for poultry and pork brined for several hours to overnight.
- 6% or higher is used for shorter brine times or stronger cures.
Measuring salt by weight (grams) is far more accurate than by volume, since different salts (table, kosher, sea) pack very differently into a measuring spoon. This tool is for general home cooking guidance; always follow food safety guidelines for brining times and refrigeration.