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Calculate alcohol units in your drinks and track against recommended guidelines
| Country | Weekly Limit | Single Session | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 14 units | Spread over 3+ days | Same for men and women |
| US | 14 (M) / 7 (W) drinks | 4 (M) / 3 (W) drinks | 1 drink = 14g alcohol |
| Australia | 10 standard drinks | 4 standard drinks | 1 drink = 10g alcohol |
| Canada | 10 (W) / 15 (M) drinks | 2-3 drinks | 1 drink = 13.6g alcohol |
One UK unit equals 10ml (8 grams) of pure alcohol. It takes an average adult about one hour to process one unit.
One US standard drink contains 14 grams (0.6 oz) of pure alcohol. Roughly equivalent to 1.75 UK units.
Units = (Volume in ml × ABV%) ÷ 1000. A 500ml beer at 5% ABV = (500 × 5) ÷ 1000 = 2.5 units.
Regular drinking above guidelines increases risk of liver disease, heart problems, cancer, and mental health issues.
Home pours are often larger than standard measures. A large wine glass (250ml) contains 3 units - more than a pint of beer.
Many modern beers and wines are stronger than before. A 7% craft beer in a pint glass contains 4 units.
A pint (568ml) of standard 4% lager contains about 2.3 units. A pint of stronger 5% beer contains 2.8 units, and craft beers at 6-8% can contain 3.4-4.5 units per pint.
In the UK, the Chief Medical Officers recommend no more than 14 units per week for both men and women, spread over 3 or more days with several drink-free days.
The health effects of alcohol are primarily related to the amount of pure alcohol consumed, not the type of drink. A large glass of wine can contain more alcohol than a pint of beer.
On average, the body processes about one unit of alcohol per hour. This varies by weight, sex, metabolism, and other factors. There is no way to speed up this process.
No. Drinking all 14 units in one or two days is binge drinking and significantly increases health risks. Units should be spread across the week with drink-free days.
Different countries define standard drinks differently based on historical and cultural factors. The UK uses 10ml/8g, the US uses 14g, and Australia uses 10g of pure alcohol.
This calculator is for informational purposes only. If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption, speak to a healthcare professional. Pregnant women are advised not to drink alcohol. If you need support, contact your local alcohol support service.