Calculate alcohol by volume (ABV), proof, dilution, and mixed drink alcohol content. Perfect for homebrewing, mixology, and understanding standard drink sizes. Get accurate alcohol calculations for cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits.
This calculator is for informational purposes only. Always drink responsibly, never drink and drive, and be aware of alcohol's effects on your health. If you're pregnant, under legal drinking age, or have health concerns, avoid alcohol consumption.
| Drink Type | Typical ABV % | Proof | Standard Serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Beer | 3-4% | 6-8 | 355 ml (12 oz) |
| Regular Beer | 4-6% | 8-12 | 355 ml (12 oz) |
| Craft Beer / IPA | 6-9% | 12-18 | 355 ml (12 oz) |
| White Wine | 10-13% | 20-26 | 150 ml (5 oz) |
| Red Wine | 12-15% | 24-30 | 150 ml (5 oz) |
| Champagne | 11-13% | 22-26 | 120 ml (4 oz) |
| Vodka | 35-50% | 70-100 | 44 ml (1.5 oz) |
| Whiskey | 40-50% | 80-100 | 44 ml (1.5 oz) |
| Rum | 37-50% | 74-100 | 44 ml (1.5 oz) |
| Gin | 37-47% | 74-94 | 44 ml (1.5 oz) |
| Tequila | 38-40% | 76-80 | 44 ml (1.5 oz) |
| Liqueur | 15-30% | 30-60 | 44 ml (1.5 oz) |
| Margarita | 12-18% | 24-36 | 120 ml (4 oz) |
| Mojito | 10-15% | 20-30 | 180 ml (6 oz) |
| Bloody Mary | 10-12% | 20-24 | 240 ml (8 oz) |
ABV is the standard measure of how much alcohol (ethanol) is contained in an alcoholic beverage, expressed as a percentage of total volume. For example, a drink with 40% ABV contains 40ml of pure alcohol per 100ml of total liquid.
Proof is another measurement of alcohol content, primarily used in the United States. The relationship is simple: Proof = 2 × ABV. So, 40% ABV equals 80 proof. Historically, proof was used to verify that alcohol hadn't been diluted - spirits over 57% ABV (100 proof UK) would still ignite when mixed with gunpowder.
Ethanol has a density of approximately 0.789 g/ml at room temperature. This means 1ml of pure alcohol weighs about 0.789 grams. To calculate alcohol grams in a drink: Alcohol (g) = Volume (ml) × ABV% × 100 × 0.789
In homebrewing, ABV is calculated by measuring the difference between original gravity (OG) and final gravity (FG). The formula is: ABV = (OG - FG) × 131.25. Original gravity measures sugar content before fermentation, while final gravity measures residual sugars after fermentation. The difference indicates how much sugar was converted to alcohol by yeast.
A "standard drink" contains approximately 14 grams (17.7ml) of pure alcohol in the US, though this varies by country. Examples of one standard drink include:
When you mix drinks or add ice, the alcohol content is diluted but the total amount of alcohol remains the same. The new ABV is calculated by: New ABV = (Original Volume × Original ABV) × Total New Volume
Understanding alcohol content helps with responsible consumption. Factors affecting intoxication include body weight, gender, food consumption, medications, and individual tolerance. Never rely solely on calculations - always prioritize safety and moderation.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) measures the grams of alcohol per 100ml of blood, expressed as a percentage. A BAC of 0.08% × the legal driving limit in most US states × means 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100ml of blood. BAC is affected by the amount of alcohol consumed, body weight, gender, metabolic rate, and whether you've eaten.
The Widmark formula is the standard method for estimating BAC: BAC = (Alcohol consumed in grams) × (Body weight in grams × Distribution ratio). The distribution ratio is approximately 0.68 for men and 0.55 for women, reflecting differences in body water content.
BAC calculators provide estimates only. Individual metabolic rates, food intake, medication interactions, and health conditions significantly affect real BAC. Never rely on a calculator to determine if you're safe to drive.
Health organizations around the world define "moderate drinking" differently, but the consensus has tightened significantly in recent years as research reveals alcohol's cumulative health risks.
A standard drink in the United States contains 14 grams (17.7ml) of pure ethanol. This equals: 355ml (12 oz) of regular beer at 5% ABV; 150ml (5 oz) of wine at 12% ABV; or 44ml (1.5 oz) of 80-proof spirits. Be aware that many craft beers, cocktails, and wine pours exceed these standard amounts.
Use our ABV calculator before social events to track standard drinks rather than just counting glasses. A single craft IPA at 8% ABV counts as nearly two standard drinks by US guidelines.
After ingestion, alcohol is absorbed primarily through the small intestine and enters the bloodstream. The liver metabolizes about 90% of consumed alcohol at a consistent rate of approximately one standard drink per hour, though this varies by individual liver function, genetics, and health status.
The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) breaks ethanol into acetaldehyde, which is then converted to acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Acetate is eventually broken down into water and carbon dioxide. The remaining 10% of alcohol is eliminated through breath, urine, and sweat × which is why breathalyzers work.
Despite popular belief, coffee, food, cold showers, and exercise do not speed up alcohol metabolism. Only time allows the liver to process alcohol at its rate of ~1 drink/hour. If someone is intoxicated, there is no safe shortcut to sobriety.
A "standard drink" contains approximately 14 grams (0.6 oz) of pure alcohol. Understanding standard drink equivalents helps track alcohol intake accurately:
| Beverage | Serving Size | ABV | Std Drinks | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Beer | 12 oz (355 mL) | 5% | 1.0 | ~150 |
| IPA / Craft Beer | 12 oz (355 mL) | 7×9% | 1.4×1.8 | ~200×250 |
| Table Wine | 5 oz (148 mL) | 12% | 1.0 | ~120 |
| Spirits (whiskey, vodka) | 1.5 oz (44 mL) | 40% | 1.0 | ~100 |
| Hard Seltzer | 12 oz (355 mL) | 5% | 1.0 | ~100 |
| Cocktail (Long Island) | 8 oz (237 mL) | ~22% | ~4.0 | ~280 |