Alcohol Unit Calculator
Alcohol Unit Calculator – Know What You’re Really Drinking
Use our free Alcohol Unit Calculator to quickly find out how many alcohol units are in your drink based on its volume in milliliters (ml) and alcohol strength (ABV %). This tool helps you track and manage your alcohol consumption so you can make informed decisions about your health and safety.
What Is an Alcohol Unit?
An alcohol unit is a standard way to measure how much pure alcohol is in a drink. In most countries, 1 unit equals 10 ml or 8 grams of pure ethanol.
To calculate units:
Why Track Alcohol Units?
Monitoring alcohol units helps to:
Prevent overconsumption
Reduce long-term health risks
Stay within legal driving limits
Make smarter lifestyle decisions
Whether you’re enjoying a casual glass of wine or celebrating with cocktails, knowing your alcohol intake is essential.
Common Drink Examples & Units
| Drink | Volume (ml) | ABV (%) | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Beer (can) | 330 ml | 5% | 1.65 |
| Pint of Lager | 568 ml | 4.5% | 2.56 |
| Glass of Wine | 175 ml | 12% | 2.10 |
| Double Spirit Shot | 50 ml | 40% | 2.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | 750 ml | 13% | 9.75 |
How to Use the Alcohol Unit Calculator
Enter the volume of your drink in milliliters (e.g., 330 ml can, 750 ml bottle).
Enter the ABV (Alcohol by Volume percentage) from the label.
Click “Calculate Units”
Instantly see the number of alcohol units in your drink
ABV is usually listed on the bottle label as a percentage.
Recommended Alcohol Limits
Most health guidelines suggest:
Men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units per week
Spread consumption over 3 or more days
Have alcohol-free days each week
Exceeding these limits regularly increases the risk of:
Liver damage
Heart disease
Cancer
Depression and anxiety
Legal Drinking & Driving Limits
Alcohol units help determine if you’re over the legal limit to drive. This varies by country but is often around 0.5 – 0.8 promille (BAC), which can be just 1-2 drinks depending on body weight, gender, and metabolism.
Even small amounts can impair judgment and reaction time. Always use a breathalyzer or avoid driving if unsure.
Alcohol Unit vs. Standard Drink
| Country | Standard Drink / Unit Size |
|---|---|
| UK | 10 ml (8 grams) |
| US | 14 grams of alcohol |
| Australia | 10 grams of alcohol |
| Europe | 10 grams of alcohol (varies) |
Always check local definitions if traveling internationally.
Healthier Drinking Tips
Alternate alcohol with water
Choose lower-ABV options
Track your drinks with apps
Eat before drinking to slow absorption
Know your personal limit and stick to it
Risks of Excessive Alcohol Use
Exceeding recommended units frequently may lead to:
Fatty liver disease
High blood pressure
Cancer (mouth, liver, breast, etc.)
Brain shrinkage
Alcohol dependence or addiction
Benefits of Using an Alcohol Unit Calculator
Instant & accurate results
Avoid overdrinking
Help manage Dry January or moderation goals
Better planning for social events or nights out
Educational for youth or support groups