Standard Drink Calculator
Convert a beverage's alcohol percentage and volume in fluid ounces into US standard drinks, with typical examples. Educational, not medical advice.
Results
Standard drinks
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Educational estimates · not financial advice · free, no signup
Formula / how it works
Standard drinks = (volume_oz × ABV%/100) ÷ 0.6. US definition; other countries differ.
Detailed guide
What it is, how to use it, how to read the numbers, common mistakes, a worked example, formulas, and FAQs.
What this calculator is
A standard drink is a unit used to describe alcohol intake: in the United States it is about 14 grams, or 0.6 fluid ounces, of pure alcohol. A regular 12 oz beer at 5% ABV, a 5 oz glass of wine at 12% and 1.5 oz of 40% spirits each contain roughly one standard drink. Many drinks, such as craft beer or a large wine pour, contain more. This calculator multiplies the volume by the alcohol percentage and divides by 0.6 to give the number of US standard drinks. It supports awareness of how much you drink, not driving or medical decisions. Other countries define a unit differently, and your own tolerance and health matter far more than a number.
When to use / who it helps
- You want to know how many standard drinks are in a large beer or a generous pour of wine.
- You are comparing different drinks on a common scale.
- You are tracking intake against health guidance.
- You are reading guidance written in standard drinks.
- You are curious about the alcohol content of a cocktail.
How to use
Steps
- Enter the alcohol by volume percentage printed on the label.
- Enter the volume in US fluid ounces.
- Read the number of standard drinks.
- Convert millilitres to fluid ounces first by dividing by 29.57.
- Add up all drinks consumed to see a total.
- Remember that this tool is educational and does not estimate impairment.
How to interpret results
- A result of 1.0 means the drink contains about 14 g of pure alcohol.
- Larger or stronger drinks can contain two or more standard drinks.
- Health guidance in standard drinks varies by country and individual.
- The number says nothing about how alcohol affects you personally.
- The tool does not estimate blood alcohol content or fitness to drive.
Common mistakes & gotchas
- Assuming every glass is one drink regardless of size and strength.
- Using the wrong ABV, such as the label's proof instead of percentage.
- Entering millilitres where fluid ounces are expected.
- Using this tool to decide whether it is safe to drive.
- Applying the US definition to other countries' guidance.
Worked example
Worked example — a 16 oz pint at 5% ABV
- Pure alcohol volume: 16 × 0.05 = 0.8 fl oz.
- Divide by 0.6: 0.8 ÷ 0.6 ≈ 1.33 standard drinks.
- A 12 oz beer at 5% gives 0.6 fl oz, so exactly 1.0 standard drink.
- A 5 oz glass of 12% wine gives 0.6 fl oz, also 1.0.
Result: A 16 oz pint of 5% beer is about 1.3 US standard drinks.
To load the form's own demo values, tap Try example above the Calculate button.
How to calculate / formula
Standard drinks = (volume_oz × ABV%/100) ÷ 0.6. US definition; other countries differ.
Frequently asked questions
What is a standard drink?
In the US, a drink with about 14 grams, or 0.6 fluid ounces, of pure alcohol.
How many standard drinks are in a bottle of wine?
A 750 mL bottle at 12% ABV contains about 5 standard drinks.
Does this tell me if I can drive?
No. Impairment varies by person, and the safest choice is not to drive after drinking.
Is a standard drink the same in every country?
No. Many countries use 8 to 10 grams of alcohol per unit.
How do I convert mL to fluid ounces?
Divide millilitres by 29.57.
Where can I find health guidance?
Consult your national health authority or a healthcare professional.
For education and personal goal-setting only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk to a qualified clinician about your health. Full disclaimer