The calculation
salt = water × 3 ÷ (100 − 3) = 1,000 g × 3 ÷ 97 = 30.9 g per litre
By volume, for each type of salt
| Salt | Per litre | Per quart | Per gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Crystal kosher | 3.9 Tbsp | 3.7 Tbsp | 0.91 cups |
| Morton kosher | 1.9 Tbsp | 1.8 Tbsp | 0.46 cups |
| Table salt (fine) | 1.7 Tbsp | 1.6 Tbsp | 0.41 cups |
Using Diamond Crystal kosher 8 g per tablespoon, Morton kosher 16 g per tablespoon, Table salt (fine) 18 g per tablespoon (King Arthur); a cup is 16 tablespoons. Spoon measures vary — weighing is more reliable.
What a 3% brine is used for
A 3% brine is mild. It suits longer soaks (overnight or more) for poultry and pork, delicate seafood and lacto-fermented vegetables, where many recipes use 2–5% salt.
Keep brining meat refrigerated (below 40 °F / 4 °C), fully submerged, and discard the brine afterwards. For a brine you can leave longer without risk of over-salting, see equilibrium brining in the brine calculator.
Other strengths
4% brine · 5% brine · 6% brine · 7% brine · 8% brine · 9% brine · 10% brine
Last reviewed: 2026-10-04 · Disclaimer