In some countries a system of units of alcohol is employed for an approximate measure of the amount of alcohol in different drinks.

Formula

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A unit of alcohol is equivalent to 10 millilitres (or approximately 8 grams) of pure ethanol, the active chemical ingredient in alcoholic beverages.

The number of units of alcohol in a drink can be determined by multiplying the volume of the drink (in millilitres) by its percentage ABV, and dividing by 1000.

Thus a pint (568ml) of beer at 4% ABV contains

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Quantities

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As a rough guide:

• A small glass of wine or sherry, a single measure of spirits and a half pint of beer each contain about one unit, or 8 g (0.25 oz) of alcohol.

• A smallish 125ml glass of red or white wine or half a pint of cider contains about one and a half units.

• Strong pale lager may contain as much as two units per half pint.

• A larger 175ml glass of wine contains two to two and a half units.

• A 750ml standard bottle of 12% wine contains around 9 units. Many wines are actually around 14.5%, which is nearly 11 units per bottle.

Limits

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Since 1995 the UK government has advised that regular consumption of between three and four units a day for men and between two and three 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. The difference between genders is given due to the (typically) lower weight and water-to-body-mass-ratio of women.

See also

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• Standard drink

Units of measure | Alcohol