Alcohol Units Calculator
Calculate exactly how many alcohol units are in any drink, and see where you stand against UK low-risk drinking guidelines.
Alcohol Units Guide
Calculating Units
Unit calculation: (ABV × volume in ml) ÷ 1,000. Pint of 4% beer (568ml): (4 × 568) / 1000 = 2.3 units. Pint of 5% lager: 2.8 units. Pint of 5.5% strong cider: 3.1 units. Small (125ml) glass of 12% wine: 1.5 units. Medium (175ml) glass of 12% wine: 2.1 units. Large (250ml) glass of 12% wine: 3 units. Whole bottle (750ml) of 13% wine: 9.8 units. Single (25ml) measure of 40% spirit: 1 unit. Double (50ml) spirit: 2 units. Standard cocktail: typically 2-3 units (more if doubles). Restaurant 'small' w
UK NHS Guidelines
Current Chief Medical Officers' guidance (2016 onwards): both men and women: maximum 14 units per week to keep risks low. Spread units across 3+ days. Several drinks-free days per week recommended. Pregnant women: safest to avoid alcohol entirely. NHS specifically advises this. Adolescents under 18: no alcohol recommended. Particularly damaging to developing brain. Over 65s: should consume less than younger adults due to slower metabolism. Single occasion binge (more than 8 units in one session
Health Effects by Level
Low risk (under 14 units/week): minimal additional health risk. Some emerging research suggests no level of alcohol is fully risk-free but practical risks remain low. Increasing risk (14-35 women, 14-50 men units/week): increased risk of cancer (breast, mouth, throat, liver, bowel). Liver disease risk rising. Hypertension. Atrial fibrillation. Depression and anxiety. Sleep disruption. Weight gain. Higher risk (above 35/50 units): substantial cancer risk, particularly liver and breast. Dependence
When to Get Help
Signs of problematic drinking: drinking alone or to cope with emotions. Hiding amount drunk. Needing more to get the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms when stopping. Trying and failing to cut down. Impact on work, relationships, health. Resources: NHS GP for confidential discussion. Drinkline (free, confidential): 0300 123 1110. Alcoholics Anonymous (peer support). Community alcohol services (referrals via GP). Online: Drinkaware, Alcohol Change UK. Medical safety note: dependent drinkers should
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