Alcohol Units Calculator
Count UK alcohol units in a drink from its size and strength, and compare with the weekly guideline.
About the Alcohol Units Calculator
One UK unit is 10 mL (8 g) of pure alcohol. The UK Chief Medical Officers advise not regularly drinking more than 14 units a week, spread over 3 or more days. A pint of 4.5% beer is 2.6 units; a 175 mL glass of 13% wine is 2.3 units.
The formula
Units = volume (mL) × ABV (%) ÷ 1,000
- Grams
- mL × ABV ÷ 100 × 0.789
Units in common drinks
| Drink | Units |
|---|---|
| Pint of 4% beer (568 mL) | 2.3 |
| Pint of 5.2% lager | 3.0 |
| Glass of 13% wine (175 mL) | 2.3 |
| Bottle of 13% wine (750 mL) | 9.8 |
| Single 40% spirit (25 mL) | 1.0 |
Worked example
Example: UK alcohol units = 3.1
- Inputs: Drink size: 620 mL; Strength (ABV): 5%; How many: 1.
- Formula: Units = volume (mL) × ABV (%) ÷ 1,000
- Result: UK alcohol units = 3.1
- Grams of alcohol: 24.5
- US standard drinks (14 g): 1.75
- Share of the 14-unit weekly guideline: 22%
Things to keep in mind
- This is an estimate for general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or other qualified professional about your health.
Questions people ask
Is there a safe level?
No level is risk-free; keeping within 14 units a week keeps risk low.
How long does a unit take to clear?
Roughly an hour for an average adult, but it varies.