What percent of Earth's water is saltwater?

• A. 97%
• B. 3%
• C. 50%
• D. 0%

Answer: (A)

Saltwater makes up the vast majority of Earth's water because the oceans hold most of it. About 97% of all Earth's water is saline and resides in the oceans, seas, and other saltwater bodies. The remaining roughly 3% is freshwater, but much of that is tied up in glaciers and ice caps, with only a small portion readily accessible in rivers, lakes, and groundwater. This distribution explains why, even though Earth has a lot of water, only a tiny share is suitable for drinking and irrigation.