Back

"Low-Risk" Drinking Guidelines

Standard Drinks
The first step in reducing negative outcomes is to determine the amount of alcohol you consume. The key is to think in terms of “standard drinks.” A standard drink” is 0.5 oz. of alcohol. To calculate standard drinks you need to know the beverage size in ounces and the percent alcohol content. Some alcoholic beverages are labeled by percent alcohol by volume (i.e., 5%), but most beers are not. Use the information below to estimate alcohol content:

To calculate the number of standard drinks: Multiply the serving size (in ounces) by the percent alcohol by volume to get the total ounces of alcohol Then divide by 0.5 (the size of one standard drink) Example: For a 12 oz. beer with 5% alcohol:	Click for an enlarged version
The percent alcohol content of beverages varies across both beverage type and brand. Use the following general guidelines to determine the relative alcohol content of alcoholic beverages: Beer The darker the beer the more alcohol. The more bitter the beer the more alcohol. Wine With the exception of Chardonnay, red wines have more alcohol than whites. The sweeter the wine the lower the alcohol content. Liquor The darker the liquor the more alcohol. The sweeter the liquor the lower the alcohol content. With the exception of grain alcohol, clear liquors have about 40% alcohol.	Click for an enlarged version

Low-Risk Guidelines
Stay in the pleasure zone by using the table on the right to determine drinks per occasion

Recommendations for Women: Drink estimates are based on the Widmark Equations (Widmark, 1932) and assumes a Widmark b = .17, a Widmark r = .55, and consumption at a constant rate. Weekly Consumption for Women: Limit consumption to 9 or fewer drinks per week. Most Widely Accepted No-Risk Guidelines for Women: Zero drinks for those with a family history of alcohol problems or who are pregnant, and a maximum of 1 drink per day, no more than 4 times a week.	Click for an enlarged version
Recommendations for Men: Drink estimates are based on the Widmark Equations (Widmark, 1932) and assumes a Widmark b = .17, a Widmark r = .68, and consumption at a constant rate. Weekly Consumption for Men: Limit your consumption to 14 or fewer drinks per week. Most Widely Accepted No-Risk Guidelines for Men: Zero drinks for those with a family history of alcohol problems, and a maximum of 2 drinks per day, no more than 4 times a week.	Click for an enlarged version

NOTE: These charts are only a guide and are not sufficiently accurate to be considered legal evidence. The charts estimate the number of drinks for a BAC < .06 for the average person of equal weight. The chart may underestimate the BAC of persons with poor physical fitness, above average body fat, or little or no tolerance for alcohol.

To receive Standard Drinks and Low-Risk Guidelines cards click here.