Brine Ratio Calculator
Works out the salt for a wet brine from its strength, so that a brine can be made in any quantity.
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The formula
salt = water × % ÷ 100 (percentage of the water) salt = water × % ÷ (100 − %) (percentage of the brine)
A litre of water weighs a kilogram. Recipes use both conventions, and at 5% they differ by only a few grams per litre. The whole brine here means the water and salt, leaving out any sugar.
What to watch out for
Dissolve the salt in some of the water, warmed if needed, then add the rest and chill it fully before the food goes in. Discard the brine after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much salt for 2 litres of 5% brine?
100 g, as a percentage of the water. As a percentage of the whole brine it is 105 g.
Does the type of salt matter?
Not by weight, since salt is salt. By volume it matters a great deal, because the crystals pack differently. That is why this works in grams.