Brine Ratios: Salt, Sugar, and Water That Actually Work
Brine recipes often hide the ratio behind a single batch size. Stating it per litre makes any container size work.
What is the Brine Ratio Calculator?
Brining adds moisture and seasoning through a salt-water soak, and this calculator scales salt and sugar to your water volume. The base is 60 g salt and 30 g sugar per litre of water. Keep brining food refrigerated and discard the brine after use.
How to use it
- Enter the water volume in litres.
- Click Calculate Brine.
- Dissolve, cool, then refrigerate the food in the brine.
Worked example
2 litres of water need 120 g salt and 60 g sugar.
How much salt goes into 2 litres of brine?
120 g of salt, with 60 g of sugar, at 60 g salt and 30 g sugar per litre.
Frequently asked questions
Does sugar matter in a brine?
It adds balance and browning, but salt does the main work of seasoning and moisture. You can reduce sugar without breaking the brine.
How long should food brine?
Small cuts need a few hours; a whole chicken often needs overnight. Do not brine indefinitely, or the texture turns soft.