Standard Drink Calculator
Convert any alcoholic beverage to standard drinks and track your alcohol consumption
DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Understanding standard drinks helps you make informed decisions about alcohol consumption.
- Know your limits and adhere to legal drinking age requirements
- Never drink and drive - plan ahead for a safe ride home
- If you're concerned about your drinking, seek professional help
- This calculator is for educational purposes only
What is a Standard Drink?
In the United States, one standard drink contains approximately 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol.
This typically equals:
- 112 ounces of regular beer (5% ABV)
- 25 ounces of wine (12% ABV)
- 31.5 ounces of distilled spirits (40% ABV)
However, different drinks can vary widely in alcohol content. Craft beers, large pours, and mixed drinks often contain more than one standard drink, even if they look like a single serving.
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Why Counting Standard Drinks Matters
Health Monitoring
Tracking standard drinks helps you stay within recommended limits and reduce health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, including liver disease, heart problems, and certain cancers.
Accurate Tracking
Different alcoholic beverages have widely varying alcohol content. A pint of craft beer may equal 2-3 standard drinks, while a large glass of wine might be 1.5-2 drinks.
Blood Alcohol Content
Knowing your standard drink intake helps estimate BAC levels. Remember that even one drink can impair judgment and coordination, and it's illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher in all states.
Calorie Awareness
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. A standard drink has approximately 100-150 calories. Mixed drinks with sugary additives can contain significantly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do different countries define standard drinks?
Definitions vary internationally. The UK uses "units" (8g alcohol), Australia uses 10g, while Japan defines it as 19.75g. This calculator uses the US standard of 14g pure alcohol. Always check local guidelines when traveling.
Is light beer really lower in standard drinks?
Light beer typically has 4.2% ABV compared to 5% for regular beer, so a 12oz light beer is about 0.85 standard drinks versus 1.0 for regular beer. However, the difference is relatively small, and drinking more light beers to compensate can result in equal or higher alcohol consumption.
How long does alcohol stay in your system?
The liver metabolizes alcohol at approximately one standard drink per hour, but this varies based on weight, gender, age, and individual metabolism. Nothing can speed this process up - coffee, cold showers, and sleep don't affect BAC. The only thing that reduces BAC is time.
Can I drink if I'm taking medications?
Alcohol can interact dangerously with many medications, including antibiotics, antidepressants, pain relievers, and blood pressure medications. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor about potential interactions. Even some herbal supplements can interact with alcohol.
What are the signs of alcohol problems?
Warning signs include drinking more or longer than intended, inability to cut down, cravings, neglecting responsibilities, continued use despite problems, and developing tolerance or withdrawal symptoms. If you're concerned about your drinking, consult your healthcare provider or call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
Drinking Guidelines
Moderate Drinking (CDC)
Up to 1 drink/day for women, up to 2 drinks/day for men
Heavy Drinking (CDC)
8+ drinks/week for women, 15+ drinks/week for men
Binge Drinking (CDC)
4+ drinks on one occasion for women, 5+ for men
Note: These guidelines are for adults of legal drinking age. Certain individuals should not drink at all, including pregnant women, people under 21, those with certain medical conditions, and people taking medications that interact with alcohol.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. If you're concerned about your alcohol consumption, please consult a healthcare professional.
For help with alcohol-related concerns, call the SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)