Alcohol units calculator

It can be hard to tell how many units are in different types of alcoholic drink. Use this unit calculator to find out how many units there are in a single drink or in a number of drinks.

The NHS recommends that you should not regularly drink more than:

Women 2-3 units a day

Men 3-4 units a day

Frequently asked questions

Using the calculator

How do I use this alcohol calculator?

You can use this calculator to find out how many units there are in a single drink or in a number of drinks.

Step-by-step guide:

• Pick the type of drink you want to add
• Use the drop-down menu to choose the drink size
• Drag the slider to select the number of drinks you drank
• Use the drop-down menu to choose the strength of the drink, a percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV)
• If you're not sure of the ABV – just keep the default ABV rather than not counting the drink(s) at all
• The units calculator at the bottom will show the total number of units in the drinks you selected

How do I keep track of my drinking?

Tracking your drinks

If you wish to keep track of how much you’re drinking over a period of time, you can download either the NHS Choices Alcohol Tracker to your desktop, or the NHS Choices Drinks Tracker for iPhone.

Download the desktop Alcohol Tracker

Download the Drinks Tracker for iPhone

Sizes and measures

What measurements are used?

This alcohol calculator includes the most popular glass sizes and measures to work out the units in each drink.

If you can't find the exact size of drink, pick an option that is as close to it as possible.

If you want to work out the units in an alcoholic drink yourself, the formula is as follows:

ABV (%) X Volume (ml) divided by 1,000 = Units

ABV stands for 'alcohol by volume' and refers to the strength of an alcoholic drink. This is given as a %.

It is the volume in millilitres (ml) that must be used in the calculation. As one pint of beer is 568ml, it is '568' that is multiplied by the ABV.

Knowing your units

What is a unit of alcohol?

One unit is 10ml (8g) of pure alcohol. It is hard to tell how many units are in different types of drink, as this depends on both the size of the drink and its strength or percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV).

As a guide, one unit equals a 25ml single measure of spirits (ABV 40%), a third of a pint of beer (ABV 5 to 6%) or half a standard (175ml) glass of wine (ABV 12%).

How many units can I regularly drink?

No amount of alcohol is completely safe. Men are advised not to regularly drink more than three to four units a day. Women are advised not to regularly drink more than two to three units a day. The more you drink, the greater the health risks.

Understanding the risks

Can excessive drinking harm my health?

Drinking large amounts regularly can seriously affect your long-term health. The more you drink, the greater the risks.

Risks to your health include:

• Cirrhosis of the liver
• cancer, including breast and liver cancer
• strokes and heart problems
• pancreatitis
• gastritis
• high blood pressure
• fertility problems
• temporary impotence
• mental health problems

Calories in alcohol

I think my drinking could be making me fat? What can I do to combat this?

You can reduce your calorie intake from drinking alcohol by following these tips:

• Drink less overall
• Make drinks with low-calorie or calorie-free non-alcoholic mixers
• Drink a low-calorie, non-alcoholic drink after an alcoholic drink
• After a pint, make the next one a half pint
• Have a small glass of wine instead of a pint of beer, as this has half the calories

Don't swap to alcohol that is stronger but has fewer calories. This has other risks. Look at your diet and daily routine, including exercise, to see if there are changes you could make.

Sexual problems

Can drinking affect my sexual behaviour?

Alcohol can contribute to risk-taking behaviour that could lead to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis. A survey of 16 - 24-year-olds found that after drinking alcohol:

• One in seven have had unsafe sex (i.e. Not using a condom)
• One in five had sex and later wished they hadn't
• One in 10 were unable to remember whether they had sex the night before
• Many (40%) agreed that they would be more likely to have casual sex

Source: Define, February 2008

If you're on the Pill, alcohol may make you forget to take it. If you get drunk, you may vomit, which can reduce the Pill's effectiveness.

Mental health issues

Is there a link between drinking and mental health problems?

There is a strong link between heavy drinking, depression and suicide. UK studies have shown that 39% of men and 8% of women who attempted suicide had chronic drinking problems. Of all the men who attempted suicide, 70% had drunk alcohol. Of all the women who attempted suicide, 40% had drunk alcohol.

Why do I get depressed when I drink?

Alcohol works as a drug that inhibits, or slows down, the nervous system. Although small amounts seem to make people happy and talkative, it is because their inhibitions have been suppressed. The overall effect on the brain becomes more noticeable as you drink more (numbness, unsteadiness, sleepiness) and some people feel sad and tearful when they've been drinking. Prolonged, heavy drinking can contribute to more severe depression.

Drink driving

What is the legal limit for driving?

It is an offence to drive while unfit to do so because of drink, whatever the blood level of alcohol. Any more than 80mg of alcohol in every 100ml of blood is over the legal limit. However, this is not easily translated into numbers of drinks because it depends on a range of factors. These include your gender, weight, age, type of alcoholic drink and whether it is drunk on an empty stomach. Any amount of alcohol in your blood will affect your ability to drive. So it is much safer not to drink at all.

If you drive while over the legal limit, you could be prosecuted. If you are convicted of drink driving, you could get one or more of the following:

• a minimum one-year driving ban
• a fine of up to £5,000
• up to six months in prison
• an endorsement on your driving licence for 11 years

Alcohol misuse

How do I know if I have a drink problem?

Some people may use alcohol inappropriately on occasions, or put their health at risk by regularly drinking too much. Some people are psychologically dependent and may not realise they need a large glass of wine every night. You (or someone you know) could have a problem if:

• you get drunk regularly
• you can't stop once you've started
• you're drinking more than you used to
• you're losing interest in other things because of drink
• you're drinking alone
• you're making excuses to drink
• you're letting people down as a result of drinking
• you smell of alcohol during the day
• you feel guilty about drinking
• you get the shakes in the morning

Cutting down

What can I do to reduce the amount I drink when I am out?

If you want to drink less when you are out, you could try the following:

• Don't buy rounds. Only get a drink when you really want one
• Have a soft drink after each alcoholic drink
• Put more mixers in spirits to make them last longer

I drink quite heavily on a regular basis. Is this a problem?

Drinking heavily on a regular basis can have serious consequences for your health (with increased risk of cancer, high blood pressure, strokes and other problems).

Although you may not have a drink problem now, you may be in danger of developing one in the future. Becoming over-reliant on alcohol can happen without you noticing.

Get support or advice

If I have a drink problem, what kind of treatment is available?

Treatment options depend on how much you drink. They can include:

• Simple self-help guidance or GP support to help reduce the level of drinking, mainly in those who are putting their health at risk or have developed a milder form of alcohol dependence
• Getting professional help to stop drinking completely. This is mainly for those with more severe dependence.

Drinking too much may be caused by other problems, such as financial or relationship difficulties. Help with those issues may be needed as well.

If you're unhappy with your drinking, use our drink assessment tool and follow its advice.

You can also call Drinkline on 0800 876 67 76 to talk to someone.

NHS Choices 2011