Wondering how much water softener salt to buy?

Adjust the Water Hardness Level slider to see how many bags of water softener salt are needed per month for your household size.

If you’re unsure how hard your water is, use our U.S. Hard Water Regions Map to get an estimate.

40 lb. BAGS OF SALT

A data table that details the number of 40-pound bags of water softener salt needed per month based on the number of people in a household using slightly hard water.

A data table that details the number of 40-pound bags of water softener salt needed per month based on the number of people in a household using moderately hard water.

A data table that details the number of 40-pound bags of water softener salt needed per month based on the number of people in a household using hard water.

A data table that details the number of 40-pound bags of water softener salt needed per month based on the number of people in a household using very hard water.

Water Hardness Level

Soft/Slightly Hard Water

1.0 – 3.5 grains per gallon

Moderately Hard Water

3.5 – 7.0 grains per gallon

Hard Water

7.0 – 10.5 grains per gallon

Very Hard Water

10.5+ grains per gallon

50 lb. BAGS OF SALT

A data table that details the number of 50-pound bags of water softener salt needed per month based on the number of people in a household using slightly hard water.

A data table that details the number of 50-pound bags of water softener salt needed per month based on the number of people in a household using moderately hard water.

A data table that details the number of 50-pound bags of water softener salt needed per month based on the number of people in a household using hard water.

A data table that details the number of 50-pound bags of water softener salt needed per month based on the number of people in a household using very hard water.

Water Hardness Level

Soft/Slightly Hard Water

1.0 – 3.5 grains per gallon

Moderately Hard Water

3.5 – 7.0 grains per gallon

Hard Water

7.0 – 10.5 grains per gallon

Very Hard Water

10.5+ grains per gallon

These estimates are based on water hardness and household size. The amount of water softener salt you need can vary based on the age, condition and capacity of your water softener salt system as well as the hardness of your water and monthly water use. Please refer to your water softener salt system manufacturer’s salt use instructions.

U.S. Hard Water Regions Map

More than 85% of homes in America have moderate to very hard water. The map below will help you determine what level of hard water your home is facing to understand how to best use SureSoft water softener salts.

A geographic map of the United States detailing how hard the water is in each state from soft and slightly hard water to very hard water.

Soft/Slightly Hard Water

<1.0 – 3.5 grains per gallon

Moderately Hard Water

3.5 – 7.0 grains per gallon

Hard Water

7.0 – 10.5 grains per gallon

Very Hard Water

10.5+ grains per gallon

Source: U.S. Geological Survey

The data illustrated represent water hardness on a national and regional scale. It is not designed to be used to make local decisions or decisions on the scale of individual homeowner property. Information that is relevant to water hardness and other chemical properties at a home or immediate locale should be provided by the local health agency, local water utility, or by the vendor of a local water softener system.