Standard drink

{{Short description|Measure of the pure ethanol in an alcoholic beverage}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2026}} [[File:NIH standard drink comparison.jpg|thumb|400x400px|United States standard drinks of beer, malt liquor, wine, and spirits compared. Each contains about 14 grams or 17.7 ml of ethanol.]]

A '''standard drink''' or (in the UK) '''unit of alcohol''' is a measure of alcohol consumption representing a fixed amount of pure alcohol. The notion is used in relation to recommendations about alcohol consumption and its relative risks to health. It helps to inform alcohol users.<ref name="ec.europa.eu"/>

A hypothetical alcoholic beverage sized to one standard drink varies in volume depending on the alcohol concentration of the beverage (for example, a standard drink of spirits takes up much less space than a standard drink of beer), but it always contains the same amount of alcohol and therefore produces the same amount of intoxication.<ref name="ec.europa.eu">{{cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/health-knowledge-gateway/glossary#Glossarystandarddrink |title = Health Promotion Knowledge Gateway| date=20 June 2017 }}</ref> Many government health guidelines specify low to high risk amounts in units of grams of pure alcohol per day, week, or single occasion. These government guidelines often illustrate these amounts as standard drinks of various beverages, with their serving sizes indicated. Although used for the same purpose, the definition of a standard drink varies very widely from country to country.

Labeling beverages with the equivalent number of standard drinks is common in some countries.

==Definitions in various countries==

The definition of what constitutes a standard drink varies very widely between countries,<ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1465-3362.2012.00475.x/epdf|doi=10.1111/j.1465-3362.2012.00475.x|title=Lack of international consensus in low-risk drinking guidelines|year=2013|last1=Furtwaengler|first1=Nina A. F. F.|last2=De Visser|first2=Richard O.|journal=Drug and Alcohol Review|volume=32|issue=1|pages=11–18|pmid=22672631|url-access=subscription}}</ref> with what each country defines as the amount of pure alcohol in a standard drink ranging from 8 to 20 grams (10 to 25 ml).

The sample questionnaire form for the World Health Organization's Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) uses {{convert|10|g|oz|abbr=on}},<ref name="WHO_AUDIT_EN" /> and this definition has been adopted by more countries than any other amount.<ref name="Kalinowski2016">{{cite journal |title=Governmental standard drink definitions and low-risk alcohol consumption guidelines in 37 countries |journal = Addiction|volume = 111|issue = 7|pages = 1293–8|date=13 April 2016|doi = 10.1111/add.13341|pmid = 27073140|last1 = Kalinowski|first1 = A.|last2 = Humphreys|first2 = K.|doi-access = free}}</ref> Some countries choose to base the definition on '''mass''' of alcohol (in grams) while others base the unit on the '''volume''' (in ml or other volume units).<ref name="ec.europa.eu"/> For comparison, both measurements are shown here, as well as the number of standard drinks contained in {{convert|500|ml|USoz|1|abbr=off}} of 5% ABV beer (a typical large size of beer in Europe, slightly larger than a US pint of 473&nbsp;mL). The terminology for the unit also varies, as shown in the Notes column.

{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Amount of pure alcohol (in grams or millilitres) contained in a standard drink, as defined in different countries. ! Country !! Mass<br />(g) !! Volume<br />(mL) !! Ratio to<br>WHO AUDIT's<br>example<br>(10&nbsp;g<ref name="WHO_AUDIT_EN" />) !! Is 10&nbsp;g !! class=unsortable|Notes |- | Albania<ref name="IARD" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Argentina<ref name="IARD" /> || 14 || 17.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|14/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Australia<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /><ref>Population Health Division, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing [http://www.alcohol.gov.au/internet/alcohol/publishing.nsf/Content/standard The Australian Standard Drink] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530113533/http://www.alcohol.gov.au/internet/alcohol/publishing.nsf/Content/standard |date=30 May 2019 }}</ref> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Austria<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /><ref name="IARD">{{cite web|title=Drinking Guidelines: General Population|url=http://www.iard.org/policy-tables/drinking-guidelines-general-population/|website=IARD.org|publisher=International Alliance for Responsible Drinking|access-date=9 April 2023}}</ref> || 20 || 25.3 || {{#expr:{{Round|20/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Benin<ref name="IARD" /> || 14 || 17.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|14/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Bosnia and Herzegovina<ref name="IARD" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Canada<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /><ref>Canadian Public Health Association. URL: [https://web.archive.org/web/20160305015945/http://icap.org/portals/0/download/all_pdfs/icap_reports_english/report5.pdf]. 2006.</ref><ref name=CMAH>Centre for Addiction and Mental Health / Centre de toxicomanie et de santé mentale [http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Drug_and_Addiction_Information/low_risk_drinking_guidelines.html Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines]</ref> || 13.6 or<br>13.45<ref name="canada.ca">{{Cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/alcohol.html|title=Alcohol use|first=Health|last=Canada|date=17 May 2013|website=www.canada.ca}}</ref> or<br>13.5<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/uvic-study-suggests-setting-minimum-alcohol-price-could-reduce-deaths-hospital-visits-1.5166558|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031062658/https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/uvic-study-suggests-setting-minimum-alcohol-price-could-reduce-deaths-hospital-visits-1.5166558|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 October 2020|title=UVic study suggests setting minimum alcohol price could reduce deaths, hospital visits|date=29 October 2020|website=Vancouver Island}}</ref>|| 17.2 or 17<ref name="canada.ca"/> || {{#expr:{{Round|13.6/10|2}}}} or {{#expr:{{Round|13.45/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || This specific unit is computed based on the oz definition as: * {{cvt|12|impoz|ml|0}} bottle of 5% alcohol beer, cider or cooler * {{cvt|1.5|impoz|ml|0}} shot of 40% hard liquor (vodka, rum, whisky, gin etc.) * {{cvt|5|impoz|ml|0}} glass of 12% wine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rethinkyourdrinking.ca/what-is-a-standard-drink/|title=Rethink Your Drinking &#124; What's a Standard Drink? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808082758/https://www.rethinkyourdrinking.ca/what-is-a-standard-drink/ |archive-date=8 August 2019}}</ref> |- | Costa Rica<ref name="IARD" /> || 8 || 10 || {{#expr:{{Round|8/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Croatia<ref name="IARD" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Denmark<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /><ref name="IARD" /> || 12 || 15.2 || {{#expr:{{Round|12/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Estonia<ref name="IARD" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Fiji<ref name="IARD" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Finland<ref>paihdelinkki.fi, [http://www.paihdelinkki.fi/en/info-bank/articles/alcohol/how-use-alcohol-wisely How to use alcohol wisely]</ref> || 12 || 15.2 || {{#expr:{{Round|12/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | France<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Georgia<ref name="IARD" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Germany<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /><ref name="Kenn dein Limit">{{Cite web |url=https://www.kenn-dein-limit.de/alkohol/haeufige-fragen/was-ist-ein-standardglas |title=Was ist ein Standardglas? |trans-title=What is a standard drink? |website=Alkohol? Kenn dein Limit. |publisher=Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung |language=DE |access-date=26 September 2017}}</ref>|| 11 || 13.8 || {{#expr:{{Round|11/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || ''Standardglas'' defined as containing 10–12 g (central value used here) |- | Guyana<ref name="IARD" /> || 8 || 10 || {{#expr:{{Round|8/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Hong Kong<ref name="hongkongdh">Department of Health [http://www.dh.gov.hk/english/pub_rec/pub_rec_ar/pdf/ncd_ap2/action_plan_2_alcohol%20and%20health%20HK%20situation_e.pdf Alcohol and Health: Hong Kong Situation]</ref> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Hungary || 17 || 21.5 || {{#expr:{{Round|17/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Iceland<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.landlaeknir.is/servlet/file/store93/item2535/3370.pdf|title=Landlæknisembættið, Icelandic Directorate of Health|access-date=25 September 2017|archive-date=10 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710211150/https://www.landlaeknir.is/servlet/file/store93/item2535/3370.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> || 8 || 10 || {{#expr:{{Round|8/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || ''áfengiseining'' defined as 8 g but treated as equivalent to 10 mL |- | Ireland<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /><ref>{{cite book|last1=Hope|first1=A.|title=A Standard Drink in Ireland: What strength?|date=2009|publisher=Health Service Executive|url=http://www.drugs.ie/resourcesfiles/research/2009/HSE_Hope_Standard_drink_in_Ireland.pdf|access-date=2 February 2015}}</ref> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Italy<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /> || 12 || 15.2 || {{#expr:{{Round|12/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || ''unità standard'' defined as 12 g |- | Japan<ref name="WHO_AUDIT_EN">{{Cite web|url=https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/67205/WHO_MSD_MSB_01.6a.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|title=AUDIT The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (Second Edition)|date=2001|website=WHO|format=pdf|access-date=2 January 2020}}</ref><ref name="WHO_AUDIT_JA">{{Cite web|url=https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/67205/WHO_MSD_MSB_01.6a_jpn.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y|title=AUDIT The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (Second Edition)|website=WHO|page=17|language=ja|script-title=ja:AUDIT アルコール使用障害特定テスト使用マニュアル|format=pdf|access-date=2 January 2020}}</ref>|| 19.75 || 25 || {{#expr:{{Round|19.75/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || "{{Nihongo|unit||tan'i}}".<br>MHLW's conventional unit,<br>based on 1 gō (unit) ({{approx|180}} mL) of sake.<ref name="JA_e-healthnet_unit"/> |- |Japan<ref name="WHO_AUDIT_JA" /> |10 |12.7 |{{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} | {{yes}} |"{{Nihongo|drink||dorinku}}". Introduced by 2010<ref name="Okazaki2010">{{Cite web |url=https://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/tobacco/houkoku/dl/100222j.pdf |last=Okazaki<!-- 岡崎 https://id.ndl.go.jp/auth/ndlna/00995274 --> |first=Naoto<!-- 直人 --> |date=16 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122091310/http://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/tobacco/houkoku/dl/100222j.pdf |archive-date=22 January 2013 |access-date=23 July 2025 |website=MHLW |script-title=ja:多量飲酒者へのAUDITを用いた介入 |page=7 |language=ja |script-quote=ja:飲酏量の単位を「ドリンク」と言う。（「単位」と訳した版あり）「純アルコール10gを含むアルコール飲料」＝「1ドリンク」 |trans-quote=The unit of consumption is "dorinku" (sometimes translated as "tan'i"). An alcoholic beverage which contains 10 g of pure alcohol = 1 dorinku.}} * Referring web page: {{Cite web |url=https://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/tobacco/houkoku/100222.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617075658/https://www.mhlw.go.jp/topics/tobacco/houkoku/100222.html |archive-date=17 June 2010 |access-date=23 July 2025 |website=MHLW |script-title=ja:平成21年度たばこ・アルコール対策担当者講習会 |trans-title=Fiscal year 2009 Seminar for tobacco and alcohol control |language=ja |script-quote=ja:日時 平成２２年２月２２日（月） |trans-quote=Date of seminar: 22 February 2010}}</ref> to align with the WHO AUDIT,<br>and to avoid the conventional "{{Nihongo|unit||tan'i}}" (20 g)<br> which gave a false impression of "minimum amount to drink".<ref name="JA_e-healthnet_unit">{{cite web |title=飲酒量の単位 |last=Higuchi<!-- 樋口 https://id.ndl.go.jp/auth/ndlna/00807815 --> |first=Susumu<!-- 進 --> |author-link=:ja:樋口進 (医師) |script-title=ja:飲酒量の単位 |trans-title=Units of alcoholic drink |url=https://kennet.mhlw.go.jp/information/information/alcohol/a-02-001 |access-date=18 July 2025 |website=Japan MHLW |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102012954/https://www.e-healthnet.mhlw.go.jp/information/alcohol/a-02-001.html <!-- https://kennet.mhlw.go.jp/information/information/alcohol/a-02-001 is unarchivable. -->|archive-date=2 November 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="JA_MLIT">{{Cite web |author=Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Chubu District Transport Bureau |author-link=Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism |date=1 October 2020 |script-title=ja:飲酒運転防止②～アルコールは「単位」から「ドリンク」へ～ |url=https://wwwtb.mlit.go.jp/chubu/gian/hoan/mission1st-202110.pdf |page=10 |access-date=19 July 2025 |language=ja |archive-url=https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/collections/content/info:ndljp/pid/14360016/wwwtb.mlit.go.jp/chubu/gian/hoan/mission1st-202110.pdf |archive-date=2 May 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref><br>Sometimes this amount (around 10 g) is also called "{{Nihongo|unit||tan'i}}",<ref name="Okazaki2010"/><ref name="JA_UnitConfusion">{{cite web |author=MHLW |author-link=MHLW |script-title=ja:アルコール指導のポイント Core-AUDITの章 |trans-title=tips on alcohol use control consultation – Core-AUDIT |url=https://www.niph.go.jp/soshiki/jinzai/koroshoshiryo/tokutei23/keikaku/program/K4-4.pdf |date=5 October 2011<!-- PDF property --> |access-date=2 January 2020 |website=National Institute of Public Health of Japan |page=48 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216213021/https://www.niph.go.jp/soshiki/jinzai/koroshoshiryo/tokutei23/keikaku/program/K4-4.pdf |archive-date=16 December 2024 |url-status=live |script-quote=ja:1単位=純アルコール9～12g |trans-quote=1 tan'i = 9–12g of pure alcohol}}</ref> a term which traditionally meant 20 g.<ref name="JA_e-healthnet_unit"/> |- | Latvia<ref name="IARD" /> || 12 || 15.2 || {{#expr:{{Round|12/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Luxembourg<ref name="IARD" /> || 10–12 || 12.7–15.2 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}}-{{#expr:{{Round|12/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Malta<ref name="IARD" /> || 8 || 10 || {{#expr:{{Round|8/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Mexico<ref name="IARD" /> || 10–13 || 12.7–16.5 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}}-{{#expr:{{Round|13/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Namibia<ref name="IARD" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Netherlands<ref name="IARD" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | New Zealand<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /><ref>[http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consumers/food-safety-topics/food-processing-labelling/food-labelling/fact-sheets/fs-2003-04-alcohol-labelling.htm New Zealand Food Safety Authority] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704103437/http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consumers/food-safety-topics/food-processing-labelling/food-labelling/fact-sheets/fs-2003-04-alcohol-labelling.htm |date=4 July 2008 }}</ref><ref name=nzstandard>Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC) [http://www.alac.org.nz/WhatsInAStandardDrink.aspx What's in a Standard Drink]</ref> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | North Macedonia<ref name="IARD" /> || 14.2 || 18 || {{#expr:{{Round|14.2/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Norway || 12.8 || 15 || {{#expr:{{Round|12.8/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Philippines<ref name="IARD" /> || 12 || 15.2 || {{#expr:{{Round|12/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Poland<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Portugal<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /> || 11 || 13.8 || {{#expr:{{Round|11/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || 10–12 g (central value used here) |- | Russia<ref name="IARD" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines<ref name="IARD" /> || 14 || 17.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|14/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Seychelles<ref name="IARD" /> || 8 || 10 || {{#expr:{{Round|8/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Singapore<ref name="IARD" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Slovenia<ref name="IARD" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | South Korea<ref name="IARD" /> || 8 || 10 || {{#expr:{{Round|8/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Spain<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | Sweden || 12 || 15.2 || {{#expr:{{Round|12/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || ''standardglas'' corresponds to 33 cl 5% beer, 13 cl wine, or a drink or shot based on 4 cl 40% liquor<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://alkoholhjalpen.se/standardglas|title=Vad är ett standardglas alkohol? &#124; alkoholhjälpen.se|website=alkoholhjalpen.se}}</ref> |- | Switzerland<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /> || 12 || 15.2 || {{#expr:{{Round|12/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || |- | Taiwan (ROC)<ref name="IARD" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- |Thailand<ref>{{Cite web |title=วิธีเลิกเหล้าด้วยตนเอง |url=https://www.siphhospital.com/th/news/article/share/alcohol-drinks |access-date=25 March 2025 |website=www.siphhospital.com |language=en}}</ref> |10 |12.7 |1 |{{yes}} | |- | Ukraine<ref name="IARD" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |- | United Kingdom<ref name="Kalinowski2016" /><ref>PRODIGY Knowledge (Department of Health) [http://www.prodigy.nhs.uk/patient_information/pils/alcohol_and_sensible_drinking.pdf Alcohol and Sensible Drinking] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925004920/http://www.prodigy.nhs.uk/patient_information/pils/alcohol_and_sensible_drinking.pdf |date=25 September 2006 }}</ref><ref name="NHS-HowLong">{{cite web |title=How long does alcohol stay in your blood? |url=http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/853.aspx?CategoryID=87 |access-date=11 February 2015 |website=NHS Choices}}</ref> || 8 || 10 || {{#expr:{{Round|8/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || ''unit of alcohol''{{efn|The term "standard drink" was used in the United Kingdom in the first guidelines (1984) that published "safe limits" for drinking, but this was replaced by reference to units of alcohol in the 1987 guidelines and that term has been used in all subsequent UK guidance.{{refn|{{cite web |date=7 December 2011 |title=Alcohol guidelines, Eleventh Report of Session 2010–12 |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/cmselect/cmsctech/1536/1536.pdf |access-date=13 February 2015 |website=UK Parliament |publisher=House of Commons, Science and Technology Committee |page=7}} }} }} defined as 10 mL but treated as equivalent to 8 g.<ref name="Drinkaware-Unit">{{Cite web |title=What is an alcohol unit? &#124; Drinkaware |url=http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/what-is-alcohol/what-is-an-alcohol-unit/}}</ref> |- | United States<ref name="std.drink.us"/><ref name="Kalinowski2016" /><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm#standDrink |title=Alcohol and Public Health: Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=CDC |access-date=17 October 2011 }}</ref> || 14 || 17.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|14/10|2}}}} || {{no}} || ''standard drink'' defined as {{cvt|.6|USoz|ml|0}} pure ethanol, approximately 14 g |- | Uruguay<ref name="IARD" /> || 10 || 12.7 || {{#expr:{{Round|10/10|2}}}} || {{yes}} || |}

==Calculation of pure alcohol by mass==

It is possible to calculate the pure alcohol mass in a serving from the concentration, density of alcohol, and volume: <math display="block">\text{volume} \times \text{alcohol by volume} \times \text{density of alcohol} = \text{Pure alcohol mass}</math>

For example, a {{convert|355|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}} glass of beer with an ABV of 5.5% contains 19.525&nbsp;ml of pure alcohol, which has a density of 0.78945 g/mL (at 20&nbsp;°C),<ref name="Haynes.William"/> and therefore a mass of {{convert|15.41|g|oz}}. <math display="block">355\,\mathrm{mL} \times 0.055 \times 0.78945\,\mathrm{g}/\mathrm{mL} \approx 15.41\,\mathrm{g}</math> or <math display="block">0.355\,\mathrm{L} \times 0.055 \times 789.45\,\mathrm{g}/\mathrm{L} \approx 15.41\,\mathrm{g}</math>

When the drink size is in fluid ounces (which differ between the UK and the US), the following conversions can be used: {| class="wikitable" |- ! Country !! Volume of fl. oz. (mL) !! Mass of fl. oz. of alcohol (g) |- | UK || 28.41 || 22.43 |- | US || 29.57 || 23.35 |}

One should bear in mind that a pint in the UK is 20 imperial fluid ounces, whereas a pint in the US is 16 US fluid ounces, and that 1 imperial fl. oz. ≈ {{#expr: 28.4130625/29.5735295625 round 5}} US fl. oz.: this means that 1 imperial pint ≈ {{#expr: 28.4130625/29.5735295625*20/16 round 5}} US pints.

==Calculation of units of alcohol by volume==

Calculating alcoholic content in countries that use units of alcohol is straightforward, as the volume multiplied by the Alcohol by volume (ABV) gives the alcohol content. In the UK, one unit of alcohol equals one percentage point per litre, of any alcoholic beverage.

<math display="block">\text{volume (in litres)} \times \text{alcohol by volume (ABV)} = \text{alcohol content (units of alcohol)}</math>

The standard UK units of alcohol in a drink can be determined by multiplying <var>the volume of the drink (expressed in litres)</var> by its <var>percentage ABV</var>. For example, a standard {{convert|750|ml|USfloz}} bottle of wine at 12% ABV contains:

:<math>\begin{align} 0.75\mbox{ L} \times 12\% &= 9\mbox{ units} \end{align}</math>

One UK standard measure of spirits (25ml, 0.025 L) at 40% ABV contains:

:<math>\begin{align} 0.025\mbox{ L} \times 40\% &= 1\mbox{ unit} \end{align}</math>

One imperial pint (568ml, 0.568 L) of beer at 4% ABV contains:

:<math>\begin{align} 0.568\mbox{ L} \times 4\% &= 2.27\mbox{ units} \end{align}</math>

In the UK, both volume and ABV are usually given on bottles, drinks menus and so on, and so are easy to retrieve.

== Reference standard drinks ==

A standard drink is often different from a normal serving in the country in which it is served.<ref name="Mongan & Long">{{Cite web |last1=Mongan |first1=Deirdre |last2=Long |first2=Jean |date=22 May 2015 |title=Standard drink measures throughout Europe; peoples' understanding of standard drinks and their use in drinking guidelines, alcohol surveys and labelling |url=http://www.rarha.eu/Resources/Deliverables/Lists/Deliverables/Attachments/14/WP5%20Background%20paper%20Standard%20drink%20measures%20HRB.pdf |access-date=26 September 2017 |website=Reducing Alcohol Related Harm |pages=8}}</ref> For example, in the United States, a standard drink is defined as {{convert|0.6|USfloz|ml}} of ethanol per serving, which is about 14 grams of alcohol.<ref name="std.drink.us">{{cite web |title=What's a Standard Drink Measurement? |url=https://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/how-much-too-much/whats-standard-drink |website=Rethinking Drinking |publisher=NIAAA |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref><ref>14 grams of alcohol is 0.6 US fluid ounces or ~18 mL. →&nbsp;Ethanol listed as 0.78945&nbsp;g/mL @ 20°C (68°F), 0.6&nbsp;US&nbsp;fl&nbsp;oz&nbsp;×&nbsp;29.57&nbsp;mL/US&nbsp;fl&nbsp;oz&nbsp;=&nbsp;17.742&nbsp;ml; 0.78945&nbsp;g/mL&nbsp;×&nbsp;17.742&nbsp;mL&nbsp;=&nbsp;14.006g</ref><ref name="Haynes.William">Haynes, William M., ed. (2011). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (92nd ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. p. 3.246. ISBN 1-4398-5511-0.</ref> This corresponds to a {{convert|12|USoz|ml|adj=on}} can of 5% beer, a {{convert|5|USoz|ml|adj=on}} glass of 12% ABV (alcohol by volume) wine, or a {{convert|1.5|USoz|ml|adj=on}} so-called "shot" of spirit,<ref name="std.drink.us"/> assuming that beer is 5% ABV, wine is 12% ABV, and spirits is 40% ABV (80 proof). Most wine today is higher than 12% ABV (the average ABV in Napa Valley in 1971 was 12.5%<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alcohol: the Devil is in the Details {So why won't major American wine media run %s in reviews? |url=http://www.wineforall.com/blog/?p=404}}</ref>), hence will be more than a standard drink. Similarly, although 40% ABV is standard for spirits, the amount of spirit in a mixed drink varies widely.

=== Beers === * Half an imperial pint {{convert|1/2|imppt|ml|disp=out}} of beer with 3.5% ABV contains almost exactly one UK unit; however, most beers are stronger. In pubs in the United Kingdom, beers generally range from 3.5 to 5.5% ABV, and continental lagers start at around 4% ABV. An imperial pint {{convert|1|imppt|ml|0|disp=out}} of such lager (at 5.2% ABV) contains almost 3 units of alcohol<ref>The volume of the drink in litres multiplied by its percentage strength in ABV give the number of units. In this case, {{nowrap|0.568 × 5.2 gives 2.95}}; i.e., almost 3 units.</ref> rather than the oft-quoted 2 units. * Stronger beer (6–12%) may contain 2 UK units or more per imperial half pint. * A half-litre (500&nbsp;ml) of standard lager or ale (5%) contains 2.5 UK units. * One litre (1000&nbsp;ml) of typical Oktoberfest beer (5.5–6%) contains 5.5–6 UK units of alcohol. * A beer bottle is typically between {{convert|333|and|355|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}}, approximately 1.7 UK units at 5%. * {{convert|375|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}} can of light beer (2.7% alcohol) = 0.8 Australian standard drinks * {{convert|375|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}} can of mid-strength beer (3.5% alcohol) = 1 Australian standard drink * {{convert|375|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}} can of full strength beer (4.8% alcohol) = 1.4 Australian standard drinks * {{convert|12|USfloz|ml|abbr=on}} of 5% ABV beer = 1 US standard drink

=== Wines === thumb|upright|A ''large'' (250&nbsp;ml) glass of 12%&nbsp;ABV red wine has about three UK units of alcohol. A ''medium'' (175&nbsp;ml) glass has about two UK units. * A "medium" glass ({{convert|175|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}} of 12% ABV wine contains around 2.1 units of alcohol. However, British pubs and restaurants often supply larger quantities (large glass ≈ {{convert|250|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}}), which contain 3 units. Red wines often have a higher alcohol content (on average 12.5%, sometimes up to 16%). Even though the sizes of wine glasses are defined in UK law, the terms ''large'', ''medium'', ''standard'', etc. are not defined in law. * A {{convert|750|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}} bottle of 12% ABV wine contains 9 units; 16% ABV wine contains 12 units; a fortified wine such as port at 20% ABV contains 15 units. * {{convert|100|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}} glass of wine (13.5% alcohol) = 1 Australian standard drink * {{convert|150|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}} glass of wine (13.5% alcohol) = 1.5 Australian standard drinks * One {{convert|5|USfloz|ml|abbr=on}} glass of 12% ABV table wine is one US standard drink.

=== Fortified wines === * A small glass ({{convert|50|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}}) of sherry, fortified wine, or cream liqueur (≈20% ABV) contains about one unit.

=== Spirits === Most spirits sold in the United Kingdom have 35%-40% ABV. In England, a single pub measure ({{convert|25|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}}) of a spirit contains one unit. However, a larger {{convert|35|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}} measure is increasingly used (and in particular is standard in Northern Ireland<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://drugsandalcoholni.info/alcohol-units|title=Alcohol Units- Drugs and Alcohol Public Health Agency Northern Ireland |website=www.alcoholandyouni.com|language=en-US|access-date=20 August 2025}}</ref>), which contains 1.4 units of alcohol at 40% ABV. Sellers of spirits by the glass must state the capacity of their standard measure in ml.

In Australia, a {{convert|30|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}} shot of spirits (40% ABV) is 0.95 standard drinks.

In the US, one shot of 80 proof liquor is {{convert|1.5|USfloz|ml|abbr=on}}, which is one US standard drink.

=== Mixed spirits and alcopops === * {{convert|440|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}} can of pre-mix spirits (approx. 5% alcohol) = 1.7 Australian standard drinks * {{convert|440|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}} can pre-mix spirits (approx. 7% alcohol) = 2.4 Australian standard drinks * According to Alcohol and You Northern Ireland resource website, "Most alcopops contain 1.1–1.5 units per bottle. For example, a normal {{convert|275|ml|USfloz|abbr=on}} bottle of WKD contains 1.1 units, whereas Bacardi Breezer and Smirnoff Ice both contain 1.5 units of alcohol."<ref name="% volume of wkd">{{cite web | url=http://www.qfak.com/livelihood/food_drink/?id=b158893#.UXvAYaKG2So | title=Question:- "How much alcohol is there in WKD vodka blue?" | access-date=27 April 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112043845/http://www.qfak.com/livelihood/food_drink/?id=b158893#.UXvAYaKG2So | archive-date=12 January 2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Recommended maximum== {{Main|Alcohol consumption recommendations}} From 1992 to 1995, the UK government advised that men should drink no more than 21 units per week, and women no more than 14.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/factsheets/health-fact-sample-2 |title=Health Effects of Alcohol |publisher=Drinkaware.co.uk |access-date=27 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421194737/http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/factsheets/health-fact-sample-2 |archive-date=21 April 2009}}</ref> (The difference between the sexes was due to the typically lower weight and water-to-body-mass ratio of women).<ref>{{cite web|title=Sex differences in alcohol metabolism|publisher=Women's Health Research Institute: Northwestern University|url=https://www.womenshealth.northwestern.edu/blog/sex-differences-alcohol-metabolism}}</ref> ''The Times'' claimed in October 2007 that these limits had been "plucked out of the air" and had no scientific basis.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080511190033/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article2697975.ece Drink limits ‘useless’], ''The Times'', 20 October 2007</ref>

This was changed after a government study showed that many people were in effect "saving up" their units and using them at the end of the week,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sensible Drinking. The Report of an Inter-Departmental Working Group |url=http://www.ias.org.uk/uploads/pdf/Consumption%20docs/dh_4084702.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.ias.org.uk/uploads/pdf/Consumption%20docs/dh_4084702.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |website=www.ias.org.uk |publisher=Department of Health |access-date=23 March 2020 |date=December 1995}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Government's Alcohol Strategy.Third Report of Session 2012–13 |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmhealth/132/132.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmhealth/132/132.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=House of Commons.Health Committee. The Stationery Office by Order of the House. |access-date=23 March 2020 |date=10 July 2012}}</ref> a form of binge drinking. Since 1995 the advice was that regular consumption of 3–4 units a day for men, or 2–3 units a day for women, would not pose significant health risks, but that consistently drinking four or more units a day (men) or three or more units a day (women) is not advisable.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/sensible-drinking |title = Sensible drinking |year = 2013 |access-date = 27 May 2013 |publisher = NIdirect Government Services}}</ref> These guidelines were updated in August 2016 by the Chief Medical Officers of each of the four regions of the UK.<ref>{{cite report |author=UK Department of Health |title= UK Chief Medical Officers' Low Risk Drinking Guidelines |date=August 2016|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/545937/UK_CMOs__report.pdf}}</ref> The emphasis shifted from a level that does not pose risk towards levels that pose a low risk. This shift in emphasis was on the basis of an evaluation of evidence about the levels and types of health harm from alcohol.<ref>{{cite web |title=Consultation outcome Health risks from alcohol: new guidelines|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/health-risks-from-alcohol-new-guidelines |publisher=Department of Health and Social Care. |access-date=20 August 2025 |date=8 January 2016}}</ref> In brief, the weekly guideline was no more than 14 units for both men and women, ideally spread evenly over three or more days, with alcohol-free days included. On a single occasion, the emphasis was on limiting drinks on a single occasion, and not drinking at all during pregnancy.<ref>{{cite report |author=UK Department of Health |title= UK Chief Medical Officers' Low Risk Drinking Guidelines |date=August 2016|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/545937/UK_CMOs__report.pdf}}</ref> Subsequently, research has suggested that the level of consumption that minimises health loss is zero, i.e. to protect health, it is better not to drink alcohol.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Griswold, M|name-list-style=vanc|title=Alcohol use and burden for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 |journal=The Lancet |volume=392 |issue=10152 |pages=1015–1035|date=2018|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31310-2 |pmid=30146330 |pmc=6148333 }}</ref> However, a 2025 review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine concluded that while heavy alcohol use is clearly harmful, moderate alcohol consumption was associated with lower all-cause mortality compared to never consuming alcohol.<ref name="NASEM2025">{{cite book |vauthors=Stone KB, Calonge BN |title=Review of Evidence on Alcohol and Health |date=April 2025 |pmid=40393408 |doi=10.17226/28582 |isbn=978-0-309-73115-7 |publisher=National Academies Press |location=Washington, DC |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK614697/pdf/Bookshelf_NBK614697.pdf}}</ref>

==Relation to blood alcohol content== {{Main|Blood alcohol content}} As a rough guide, it takes about one hour for the body to metabolise (break down) one UK unit of alcohol, 10&nbsp;ml (8&nbsp;grams). However, this will vary with body weight, sex, age, personal metabolic rate, recent food intake, the type and strength of the alcohol, and medications taken. Alcohol may be metabolised more slowly if liver function is impaired.<ref name=NHS-HowLong/> For other countries, it may be easiest to convert to UK units. For example, in the United States one standard drink contains 14 grams ≈ 1.75 units of alcohol, and so a US standard drink takes the body about an hour and three-quarters to process. Blood alcohol content can more accurately be estimated by using Widmark's formula.<ref name=Ed>{{cite web |last1=Ed Kuwatch |title=Fast Eddie's 8/10 Method of Hand Calculating Blood Alcohol Concentration: A Simple Method For Using Widmark's Formula |url=http://www.dui-law.com/810art.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031202155933/http://www.dui-law.com/810art.htm |archive-date=2 December 2003 }}</ref>

== Labeling == thumb|right|Example of Wine Bottle label in accordance with UK voluntary health labelling scheme Australia introduced standard drink labelling in the 1990s,<ref name="VisibleLabels">{{cite journal |last1=Jones |first1=Sandra C. |last2=Gregory |first2=Parri |title=The impact of more visible standard drink labelling on youth alcohol consumption: Helping young people drink (ir)responsibly? |journal=Drug and Alcohol Review |date=May 2009 |volume=28 |issue=3 |pages=230–234 |doi=10.1111/j.1465-3362.2008.00020.x|pmid=21462396 }}</ref> and New Zealand followed with a labelling requirement starting in 2002.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/code/proposals/Documents/P248%20and%20P252%20FAR.pdf|chapter=7.5 Standard drink labelling for alcoholic beverages produced in New Zealand|title=Final Assessment Report (Inquiry - S.26)|author=Australia New Zealand Food Authority|date=26 June 2002}}</ref> The labels were criticized for being too small to read. A focus group study found that most student drinkers used the labels to choose stronger drinks and identify the cheapest method of getting drunk, rather than to drink safely.<ref name="VisibleLabels"/>

In the UK in March 2011, alcohol companies voluntarily pledged to the UK Department of Health to implement a health labelling scheme to provide more information about responsible drinking on alcohol labels and containers. The pledge stated:<ref name="DoH Pledge">{{cite web|title=Alcohol Labelling pledge|url=https://responsibilitydeal.dh.gov.uk/pledges/pledge/?pl=1|website=Dept of Health (UK)|access-date=13 February 2015|archive-date=13 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213210941/https://responsibilitydeal.dh.gov.uk/pledges/pledge/?pl=1|url-status=dead}}</ref>

: ''"We will ensure that over 80% of products on shelf (by December 2013) will have labels with clear unit content, NHS guidelines and a warning about drinking when pregnant."''

At the end of 2014, 101 companies had committed to the pledge labelling scheme.<ref name="DoH Pledge" />

There are five elements included within the overall labelling scheme, the first three being mandatory, and the last two optional: # Unit alcohol content per container ''(mandatory)'', and per serving ''(optional)''. Typical servings deliver 1–3 units of alcohol.<ref name="toomuch">{{Cite web |date=3 October 2018 |title=The risks of drinking too much |url=https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/the-risks-of-drinking-too-much/ |website=nhs.uk}}</ref> # Chief Medical Officer's daily guidelines for lower-risk consumption # Pregnancy warning (in text or as a graphic) # Mention of "drinkaware.co.uk" ''(optional)'' # Responsibility statement (e.g., "please drink responsibly") ''(optional)'' : ''Further detailed specifications about the labelling scheme are available from the "Alcohol labelling tool kit".''<ref name="Health Labelling">{{cite web|title=UK Alcohol Health Labelling|url=http://www.portmangroup.org.uk/codes/alcohol-marketing/alcohol-labelling|website=Portman Group|access-date=13 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211183841/http://www.portmangroup.org.uk/codes/alcohol-marketing/alcohol-labelling|archive-date=11 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Drinks companies had pledged to display the three mandatory items on 80% of drinks containers on shelves in the UK off-trade by the end of December 2013.<ref name="Health Labelling" /> A report published in November 2014, confirmed that UK drinks producers had delivered on that pledge with a 79.3% compliance with the pledge elements as measured by products on shelf. Compared with labels from 2008 on a like-for-like basis, information on Unit alcohol content had increased by 46%; 91% of products displayed alcohol and pregnancy warnings (18% in 2008); and 75% showed the Chief Medical Officers' lower risk daily guidelines (6% in 2008).<ref>{{cite web|title=Drinks companies achieve voluntary alcohol labelling target|url=http://portmangroup.org.uk/media/news-details/2014/11/06/drinks-companies-achieve-voluntary-alcohol-labelling-target|website=Portman Group|access-date=13 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213184249/http://portmangroup.org.uk/media/news-details/2014/11/06/drinks-companies-achieve-voluntary-alcohol-labelling-target|archive-date=13 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Studies published in 2021 in the UK showed that the label could be further enhanced by including pictures of units and a statement of the drinking guidelines - this would help people understand the recommended limits better.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=23 June 2021 |title=Drinks labels with pictures and guidelines could improve public understanding of Government recommendations |url=https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/drinks-labels-pictures-guidelines-improve-understanding-government-recommendations/ |journal=NIHR Evidence |type=Plain English summary |language=en |doi=10.3310/alert_46590|s2cid=242903619 |url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Gold |first1=Natalie |last2=Egan |first2=Mark |last3=Londakova |first3=Kristina |last4=Mottershaw |first4=Abigail |last5=Harper |first5=Hugo |last6=Burton |first6=Robyn |last7=Henn |first7=Clive |last8=Smolar |first8=Maria |last9=Walmsley |first9=Matthew |last10=Arambepola |first10=Rohan |last11=Watson |first11=Robin |date=19 January 2021 |title=Effect of alcohol label designs with different pictorial representations of alcohol content and health warnings on knowledge and understanding of low-risk drinking guidelines: a randomized controlled trial |journal=Addiction |language=en |volume=116 |issue=6 |pages=1443–1459 |doi=10.1111/add.15327 |issn=0965-2140 |pmc=8248341 |pmid=33169443}}</ref>

==See also== {{portal|Liquor|Drink}} * Alcoholic spirits measure

== Notes == {{notelist}}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== *[http://www.cleavebooks.co.uk/scol/ccalcoh1.htm Online converter between different countries' standard drinks and units] *[http://www.drinkaware.co.uk Drinkaware] *[http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/Alcoholhome.aspx NHS Choices: Drinking and alcohol] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20150221102901/http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Alcohol-unit-calculator.aspx NHS Choices: Alcohol unit calculator] (archived 21 February 2015) *[http://www.abbeycarefoundation.com/alcohol-demotivator/ Online alcohol demotivator calculator]

{{Alcohol and health}} {{Alcoholic beverages}}

Category:Units of volume Category:Units of measurement Category:Alcohol measurement