Electrolyte Drink Recipe Calculator
Mix your own sports drink to a target concentration.
Enter your values
Enter the volume to make in L.
Enter the carb concentration in %.
Enter the sodium target in mg/L.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Sugar or maltodextrin
- 60 g
- Table salt
- 1.25 g (0.21 tsp)
- Water
- 1 L
- Calories per litre
- 240 kcal
Quick answer
An isotonic sports drink is roughly 6% carbohydrate and 300-700 mg of sodium per litre.
sugar g = litres x 60; salt g = sodium mg / 400
At a glance
| What it does | Mix your own sports drink to a target concentration. |
|---|---|
| Category | Fitness |
| Inputs needed | Volume to make, Carb concentration, Sodium target |
| Main output | Sugar or maltodextrin |
| Formula | sugar g = litres x 60; salt g = sodium mg / 400 |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Electrolyte Drink Recipe Calculator
- 1Choose the volume you want to mix.
- 2Use 6% carbs for isotonic, 4% for hot weather, 8% for long endurance.
- 3Add lemon juice for flavour and a little potassium.
Inputs explained
- Volume to make(L)
- Enter the volume to make in L.
- Carb concentration(%)
- Enter the carb concentration in %.
- Sodium target(mg/L)
- Enter the sodium target in mg/L.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Volume to make1 L
- Carb concentration6 %
- Sodium target500 mg/L
Results
- Sugar or maltodextrin60 g
- Table salt1.25 g (0.21 tsp)
- Water1 L
- Calories per litre240 kcal
Frequently asked questions
Why not more sugar?
Above about 8% the drink empties from the stomach slowly and can cause GI distress.
Is table salt fine?
Yes — it is sodium chloride, the main electrolyte lost in sweat.
What do I need to enter into the Electrolyte Drink Recipe Calculator?
Just 3 values: volume to make, carb concentration, sodium target. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Electrolyte Drink Recipe Calculator work out the answer?
An isotonic sports drink is roughly 6% carbohydrate and 300-700 mg of sodium per litre. It applies the formula sugar g = litres x 60; salt g = sodium mg / 400 and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Electrolyte Drink Recipe Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.