Alcohol Units Calculator
Units and standard drinks against weekly guidelines.
UK units per week
6.8
within the 14-unit guideline
Guidelines describe low-risk rather than safe levels — recent large analyses have found no clearly protective amount.
How the Alcohol Units Calculator works
A unit measures the actual alcohol in a drink rather than its size, which is why a small glass of strong wine can exceed a pint of weak beer. Guidelines are written in units precisely because glass sizes and strengths vary so much.
Not medical advice. This calculator gives a general estimate, not medical advice. It cannot account for your individual health, medical history, or medication. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional before acting on any result.
Frequently asked questions
How are alcohol units calculated?
UK units = volume in ml × ABV% ÷ 1000. A 175 ml glass of 13% wine is 175 × 13 ÷ 1000 = 2.3 units. A US standard drink is defined differently, as 14 g of pure alcohol, which is about 1.75 UK units.
What are the recommended limits?
UK guidance is no more than 14 units per week for both men and women, spread over three or more days. US guidance is up to 2 standard drinks daily for men and 1 for women. Both are framed as low-risk levels, not safe thresholds.
How many units are in common drinks?
A pint of 4% beer is 2.3 units. A 175 ml glass of 13% wine is 2.3. A 25 ml measure of 40% spirits is 1. A 330 ml bottle of 5% lager is 1.7. Home pours of wine and spirits are routinely much larger than the standard measures.
Does drinking less actually help?
Yes, and the benefit appears across the range rather than only at heavy intake. Risk of liver disease, several cancers, hypertension and atrial fibrillation all fall as consumption falls. Recent large analyses have found no level that is clearly protective.