Table of Contents
Quick answer
Sodium chloride (NaCl) is common salt: sodium and chlorine in a 1:1 cubic crystal. It is essential for life but should be eaten in moderation.
The chemical compound that makes up common salt. Composed of sodium and chlorine atoms in a 1:1 ratio forming a cubic crystal lattice. Essential for human life, nerve function, and fluid balance.
Sodium chloride (NaCl) is the chemical compound we call common salt. One sodium atom pairs with one chlorine atom in a cubic crystal lattice. Your body needs sodium for nerves, muscles, and fluid balance, but excess intake raises health risks for many people.
In Practice
Nutrition labels list sodium, not salt. Multiply sodium grams by about 2.5 to estimate salt grams. A teaspoon of fine table salt weighs roughly 6 g and contains about 2.3 g sodium.