Drink sizes and strengths vary widely, so counting units or standard drinks is the best way to track intake. UK guidance advises not regularly drinking more than 14 units a week.
How to use the Alcohol Unit Calculator
- Drink volume
- Alcohol by volume
- Number of drinks
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Multiply the volume by the alcohol percentage to get millilitres of alcohol, then convert to grams with ethanol’s density.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Drink volume | Units: mL, fl oz (US), pint (UK), L |
| Alcohol by volume | In % |
| Number of drinks | A number |
What each result means
- Pure alcohol = [Drink volume] × [Alcohol by volume]÷100 × 0.789 × [Number of drinks]
- UK units = [Drink volume] × [Alcohol by volume] ÷ 1000 × [Number of drinks]
- US standard drinks = [Pure alcohol] ÷ 14
Example values
How the main result changes when Drink volume changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Drink volume (mL) | UK units |
|---|---|
| 250 | 1.3 |
| 375 | 1.9 |
| 500 | 2.5 |
| 625 | 3.1 |
| 750 | 3.8 |
| 1,000 | 5 |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
Alcohol (g) = volume (mL) × ABV% ÷ 100 × 0.789UK units = volume × ABV ÷ 1000US standard drinks = grams ÷ 14Worked example
Inputs — Drink volume: 500 mL; Alcohol by volume: 5 %; Number of drinks: 1.
Results — Pure alcohol = 19.7 g; UK units = 2.5; US standard drinks = 1.4.
Key terms
- ABV
- Alcohol by volume, as a percentage.
Frequently asked questions
How many units is a bottle of wine?
A 750 mL bottle of 13% wine is about 9.8 units.
Is there a safe level?
Health agencies say no level is risk-free; less is better.
What formula does the Alcohol Unit Calculator use?
Alcohol (g) = volume (mL) × ABV% ÷ 100 × 0.789.