Standard Drink Calculator

Standard Drink Calculation

About Standard Drinks

A standard drink contains approximately 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. This calculator helps you understand your alcohol consumption.

Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines:

• Men:
• • No more than 4 drinks per day
• • No more than 14 drinks per week
• Women:
• • No more than 3 drinks per day
• • No more than 7 drinks per week
• Everyone:
• • No drinking if under 21
• • No drinking if pregnant
• • No drinking and driving

Health Risks by Consumption:

• 1-2 drinks/day:
• • Generally low risk
• • May have some health benefits
• 3-4 drinks/day:
• • Moderate risk
• • Increased health problems
• 5+ drinks/day:
• • High risk
• • Significant health damage

Alcohol Metabolism:

• • Liver processes ~1 drink per hour
• • Women metabolize slower than men
• • Food slows absorption
• • Body weight affects blood alcohol
• • Age affects metabolism

Calories in Alcohol:

• • Beer: ~150 calories per 12 oz
• • Wine: ~120 calories per 5 oz
• • Spirits: ~100 calories per 1.5 oz
• • Mixers add significant calories

Signs of Problem Drinking:

• • Drinking more than intended
• • Failed attempts to cut down
• • Spending lots of time drinking
• • Cravings for alcohol
• • Problems at work/school
• • Relationship problems
• • Legal problems
• • Continuing despite problems

Professional Resources:

• • Primary care physician
• • Addiction specialist
• • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• • SMART Recovery
• • Treatment centers
• • Crisis hotlines