Alcohol Unit Calculator
Work out exactly how many UK alcohol units are in your drink — and how that stacks up against the 14‑unit weekly guideline.
Quick-fill drink calculators
Tap a drink to auto-fill typical ABV and serving size, then adjust as needed.
Alcohol Unit Calculator: Work Out Your Drinking in Seconds
Ever wondered exactly how many alcohol units are in your favourite drink? Our free Alcohol Unit Calculator takes the guesswork out of tracking your drinking, giving you an instant, accurate breakdown of units, pure alcohol content, and how your weekly intake compares to the UK’s recommended 14-unit guideline.
Whether you’re sipping a pint of lager, a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, a whiskey on the rocks, or a fruity cocktail, alcohol units aren’t just about how much liquid is in your glass — they’re about the strength of that liquid too. A small measure of strong spirit can contain just as many units as a full pint of beer, which is why relying on “one drink = one unit” thinking can leave you seriously underestimating your intake.
How the Alcohol Unit Calculator Works
This calculator uses the standard UK formula — Units = (Volume in ml × ABV%) ÷ 1000 — to give you a precise number every time, whether you’re measuring in millilitres, litres, UK or US pints, or fluid ounces. Simply select your drink type, enter the ABV percentage from the label, add the volume and number of drinks, and get an instant breakdown of your total units, pure alcohol in grams and millilitres, and your weekly total if you drink this regularly.
We’ve also built in one-tap presets for the drinks people search for most: beer, wine, whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and brandy. Each preset auto-fills a typical ABV and serving size so you can get a fast estimate, then fine-tune the numbers to match your actual drink.
Why Alcohol Units Matter
Alcohol units help you understand not just how much you’re drinking, but how that compares to national health guidelines. The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend no more than 14 units a week for both men and women, spread across at least three days, with several alcohol-free days in between. Going over this regularly is linked to a higher risk of long-term health issues, including liver disease, certain cancers, and cardiovascular problems. Our calculator’s built-in comparison bar shows you at a glance exactly where you stand against that guideline — no maths required.
This tool is designed for anyone who wants a clearer picture of their drinking habits: people cutting back for Dry January or Sober October, those monitoring intake for health or fitness reasons, hosts working out how much alcohol to serve at an event, or simply the curious who want to know what’s really in their glass.
Track Your Drinking More Accurately
If you’re serious about monitoring your intake beyond a single session, pairing this calculator with a simple drink-tracking journal or a home breath alcohol tester can help you stay accountable day to day. We recommend the AlcoTrack Digital Breathalyzer — a compact, accurate personal breathalyzer that’s ideal for anyone wanting a quick reality check before getting behind the wheel or simply keeping tabs on their consumption over time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A UK alcohol unit is a standardised measure of pure alcohol — one unit equals 10ml (8g) of pure ethanol. It’s calculated from a drink’s volume and ABV percentage, not the type of drink or glass size alone.
A standard 500ml beer at 5% ABV contains 2.5 units. A 330ml bottle at the same strength contains around 1.65 units. Stronger craft beers (6–8% ABV) can exceed 3 units per serving.
A 175ml glass of wine at 12% ABV contains 2.1 units, a large 250ml glass contains 3 units, and a small 125ml glass contains around 1.5 units.
UK guidelines recommend no more than 14 units a week for both men and women, spread across three or more days, with several drink-free days included.
Using the formula: Units = (Volume in ml × ABV%) ÷ 1000. For example, a 500ml beer at 5% ABV works out to 2.5 units.
Yes — units rise directly in proportion to ABV, so a stronger drink of the same size always contains more units than a weaker one.
A single 25ml pub measure of whiskey at 40% ABV contains 1 unit; a double (50ml) contains 2 units. Cask-strength whiskies can contain more per measure.
This content and calculator are for general informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice. If you’re concerned about your drinking, speak to a doctor or contact a support service such as Drinkline (0300 123 1110, UK).