Alcohol Units Calculator

Calculate alcohol units in any drink using volume and ABV. See how your intake compares to weekly health guidelines.

Please enter volume and ABV.

DrinkTypical Units
Pint of lager (568ml, 4%)2.3 units
Glass of wine (175ml, 13%)2.3 units
Single spirit (25ml, 40%)1.0 unit
Bottle of beer (330ml, 5%)1.65 units
Bottle of wine (750ml, 13%)9.75 units

What Is an Alcohol Unit?

An alcohol unit is a standardised measure of pure alcohol. One unit equals 10 ml (or 8 grams) of pure alcohol — the amount the average adult liver can process in approximately one hour. The unit system was developed to make alcohol recommendations and comparisons easier, since the same “one drink” can contain vastly different amounts of alcohol depending on size and strength.

Units = (Volume in ml × ABV%) ÷ 1000

Weekly Guidelines

The UK NHS recommends no more than 14 units per week for both men and women, spread over at least 3 days. The equivalent in other terms: 6 medium glasses of wine, 6 pints of average-strength beer, or about half a bottle of spirits. Having alcohol-free days each week allows the liver to recover.

Health Risks of Excessive Drinking

Regularly exceeding recommended weekly units is associated with increased risk of liver disease, heart disease, several cancers (including mouth, throat, oesophagus, breast, and bowel), high blood pressure, depression, and accidents. Even moderate drinking carries some level of health risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units are in a bottle of wine?
A standard 750ml bottle of wine at 13% ABV contains approximately 9.75 units — nearly an entire week’s recommended allowance in one bottle.
Do alcohol units differ by country?
Yes. The UK unit (8g pure alcohol) differs from the Australian “standard drink” (10g), the US “standard drink” (14g), and others. This calculator uses the UK unit definition.
Is low-alcohol beer unit-free?
No. Even 0.5% ABV beers contain a small amount of alcohol. Only truly alcohol-free (0.0%) products contain zero units. A 500ml can at 0.5% ABV = 0.25 units.
Medical Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for health decisions.