How this calculator works
Multiply the beverage volume by its ABV fraction to find pure alcohol, then divide by 10 mL. The calculator adds serving counts across three drink types. Enter the actual volume and labelled ABV for beer, cider, wine, spirits or a known mixed drink. For a cocktail with an unknown overall strength, enter its alcoholic ingredients separately. UK units differ from Canadian and US standard drinks. A US pint in the unit selector is 473 mL; enter a UK pint as 568.26125 mL. The result is an estimate for information only and is not medical advice.
Formula
UK units = volume in mL x ABV in percent / 1000 x servings. Volume in mL = units x 1000 / ABV in percent. ABV in percent = units x 1000 / volume in mL.
Worked example
A 500 mL beer at 5% ABV contains 2.5 UK units. A 25 mL measure of spirits at 40% contains 1 unit. Two such spirit measures plus the beer total 4.5 units.
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Frequently asked questions
Does one glass equal one unit?
Usually not. Glass size and strength both matter; a 175 mL glass of 12% wine has 2.1 units.
Can I enter proof?
Enter alcohol by volume, not proof. For US proof, divide the proof number by two to get ABV percent.
Does this say when I can drive?
No. Units measure alcohol quantity and do not determine impairment, blood concentration or a safe time to drive.