Does Kosher Salt Weigh the Same as Table Salt?

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

Despite being chemically the same compound, sodium chloride, a teaspoon of kosher salt can weigh significantly less than a teaspoon of table salt due to differences in crystal shape and size. This is a crucial distinction for home cooks and bakers alike, impacting the flavor and outcome of recipes that measure salt by volume.

Quick Summary

Kosher salt and table salt have different crystal shapes and sizes, affecting their density and causing them to weigh differently by volume, requiring careful conversion in recipes.

Key Points

Density Varies: Kosher salt and table salt do not weigh the same by volume because of their differing crystal sizes and shapes, which affects their density.
Volume vs. Weight: When measured by volume (teaspoons, tablespoons), kosher salt is lighter than table salt due to larger crystal flakes and more air pockets.
Brand Matters: The density of kosher salt can vary by brand (e.g., Diamond Crystal vs. Morton), requiring further adjustment if substituting.
Convert with Caution: When substituting kosher salt for table salt by volume, you generally need to use more kosher salt to achieve the same level of saltiness.
Measure by Weight for Accuracy: Using a digital kitchen scale and measuring salt by weight is the most accurate and reliable method, removing any ambiguity caused by volume differences.
Additive Differences: Table salt often contains additives like iodine and anti-caking agents, while kosher salt is typically free of these, providing a purer, cleaner flavor.

The Core Difference: Density, Not Chemistry

While both kosher salt and table salt are fundamentally sodium chloride (NaCl), their weight difference is not due to a change in chemical composition but rather a physical attribute: density. Table salt consists of small, uniform, tightly-packed granules, while kosher salt features larger, flakier, or irregularly shaped crystals. These larger, less dense kosher salt flakes result in more air pockets within a given volume measurement, meaning a tablespoon of kosher salt contains less actual salt than a tablespoon of its table salt counterpart.

Why Different Brands of Kosher Salt Vary

It is important to note that not all kosher salt is the same, with two major brands illustrating the variation perfectly. Diamond Crystal kosher salt is known for its light, fragile flakes, while Morton's kosher salt features denser, flatter crystals. This difference in crystal structure means that a volume-for-volume substitution between these two brands is also inaccurate and can lead to over- or under-seasoning. This highlights the importance of measuring salt by weight rather than volume for consistent and reliable results, especially when baking.

The Impact of Additives

Another factor setting table salt apart from kosher salt is the presence of additives. Most table salt is iodized, meaning it has added iodine as a nutritional supplement, and contains anti-caking agents to prevent clumping. These additions do not significantly impact weight, but they do affect the final flavor profile, with some individuals detecting a subtle metallic aftertaste from the iodine. Kosher salt, on the other hand, is typically free of iodine, though some brands may still include an anti-caking agent. The additive-free nature of kosher salt is one reason many chefs and home cooks prefer it for its cleaner, purer flavor.

Comparison Table: Kosher Salt vs. Table Salt


Feature	Table Salt	Kosher Salt	Notes
Chemical Composition	Sodium Chloride (NaCl)	Sodium Chloride (NaCl)	Same base chemical compound.
Crystal Shape	Small, uniform, compact cubes	Large, coarse, irregular flakes or dense flats	Affects how salt is packed into a volume.
Density (by volume)	High (more salt per teaspoon)	Low (less salt per teaspoon)	A teaspoon of table salt is heavier than a teaspoon of kosher salt.
Additives	Typically contains iodine and anti-caking agents	Typically no iodine, some brands may contain anti-caking agents	Additives can affect flavor profile and clarity of brines.
Flavor	Can have a slightly metallic aftertaste from iodine	Clean, pure salty flavor due to lack of additives	A matter of preference for many chefs.
Best for	Baking, dissolving into liquids (brines, soups)	All-purpose seasoning, finishing salt, brining	The large flakes are easier for cooks to pinch and sprinkle.

When and How to Convert

Understanding the volume difference is critical for accurate seasoning when substituting one salt for the other. As a general rule of thumb when measuring by volume, you need more kosher salt to achieve the same level of salinity as table salt. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of table salt, you would need approximately 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, depending on the brand.

The Chef's Secret: Using a Digital Scale

For the most precise and consistent results, especially in baking, measuring ingredients by weight is always the best practice. A digital kitchen scale removes all ambiguity related to density and crystal shape. For example, 10 grams of Diamond Crystal kosher salt will always be 10 grams, regardless of crystal size, and will provide the exact same salinity as 10 grams of table salt, despite the difference in volume. This method is the surest way to guarantee your dish is perfectly seasoned every time.

Conclusion

While they share the same chemical makeup, kosher salt and table salt do not weigh the same when measured by volume due to significant differences in crystal shape, size, and density. Table salt, with its fine, compact granules, is denser and therefore heavier per teaspoon than kosher salt, which has larger, flakier crystals that trap more air. Understanding this fundamental difference is vital for successful cooking and baking. For guaranteed accuracy, especially when converting between salts, using a kitchen scale is the most reliable method. However, if you must measure by volume, remember to adjust the quantity of kosher salt upwards to match the salinity of table salt. Choosing the right salt for the job, and knowing how to measure it correctly, is a small detail that can have a huge impact on the final flavor of your food.

The Real Differences Between Kosher Salt and Table Salt ...

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/table-salt-vs-kosher-salt-11811408

Why and When to Switch Your Salt from Table to Kosher

https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/4286-ask-paul-what-s-the-difference-between-table-salt-kosher-salt-and-other-salts

Frequently Asked Questions

Kosher salt is less salty by volume because its large, flaky crystals take up more space and create more air pockets than the small, dense crystals of table salt. This means that a teaspoon of kosher salt contains less actual salt than a teaspoon of table salt, making it less salty.

You should not substitute kosher salt for table salt in a 1-to-1 ratio by volume. If you do, your dish will likely be under-seasoned. The conversion ratio depends on the brand of kosher salt, but you will need more kosher salt to equal the same salinity as table salt.

When converting by volume, use a ratio of approximately 1 teaspoon of table salt to 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, depending on the brand. For the most accurate conversion, especially in baking, it is best to measure salt by weight using a kitchen scale.

Some people find that kosher salt has a cleaner, purer flavor than iodized table salt. This is because kosher salt generally does not contain iodine, which can leave a slight metallic aftertaste for some. The large crystals also provide a distinct texture and burst of flavor when used as a finishing salt.

Many chefs prefer kosher salt because its larger, coarser flakes are easier to pinch and sprinkle, providing a better sense of control when seasoning food by hand. The cleaner flavor and satisfying texture are also often cited as benefits.

Different brands of kosher salt, such as Diamond Crystal and Morton's, have different crystal structures and densities. Diamond Crystal has a larger, flakier crystal, while Morton's is a denser, flatter flake, meaning they will not weigh the same by volume.

No, the name 'kosher salt' refers to its use in the koshering process to draw moisture from meat, not a kosher certification. While much of it is certified, some brands may not be. If you require kosher certification, you should always check the label.