Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Calculator
Estimate your blood alcohol level based on consumption, body factors, and time.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and should not be used to determine if you are fit to drive or operate machinery. Many factors affect alcohol absorption and elimination that cannot be accounted for in a simple calculation. Always err on the side of caution and never drink and drive.
Personal Information
Drinking Information
Beverages Consumed
Estimated BAC Results
Your Estimated BAC:
0.00%
Status: Sober
Total Standard Drinks: 0
Estimated Time Until Sober: 0 hours
Effects & Legal Information
Legal Notes
Most jurisdictions define the legal BAC limit for driving as 0.08%. Some countries have lower limits between 0.02-0.05%, and some have zero tolerance policies.
NEVER drive after drinking, regardless of your calculated BAC. This calculator is for educational purposes only.
Understanding Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) represents the percentage of alcohol in your bloodstream. For example, a BAC of 0.08% means that 0.08% of your blood is alcohol.
BAC Levels and Effects
| BAC Level | Typical Effects | Impairment |
|---|---|---|
| 0.02-0.03% | Slight relaxation, mild mood enhancement | Minor attention divided, mild impairment in tracking objects |
| 0.04-0.06% | Feeling of warmth, relaxation, minor judgment impairment | Reduced inhibitions, impaired reasoning |
| 0.07-0.09% | Balance/speech/vision/reaction time impaired | Legally impaired in most locations, unsafe to drive |
| 0.10-0.12% | Significant impairment of motor coordination and judgment | Slurred speech, poor coordination, thinking/memory impairment |
| 0.13-0.15% | Major loss of balance, blurred vision, potential nausea | Severe motor impairment, lack of physical control |
| 0.16-0.20% | Nausea, dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness), possible blackout | Severe impairment of all physical and mental functions |
| 0.25-0.30% | Severe alcohol poisoning, consciousness level impacted | Risk of choking, injury through loss of consciousness |
| 0.35%+ | Life-threatening blood alcohol level | Risk of coma and death due to respiratory depression |
Factors That Affect BAC
- Body Weight and Composition: Alcohol distributes through body water. People with higher body fat have lower water content, resulting in higher BAC for the same alcohol consumption.
- Biological Sex: Women generally have higher BAC than men of equal weight when consuming the same amount due to differences in enzyme activity and body composition.
- Food Consumption: Eating before drinking slows alcohol absorption, resulting in lower peak BAC.
- Rate of Consumption: Drinking quickly leads to higher BAC as your body can only metabolize about one standard drink per hour.
- Medications: Some medications can slow alcohol metabolism, increasing BAC.
- Tolerance: Regular drinkers may feel less impaired at the same BAC, but their actual impairment and legal status remain the same.
Common Misconceptions
Many myths exist about sobering up quickly, such as drinking coffee, taking cold showers, or exercising. The truth is that only time can reduce your BAC. Your liver needs approximately one hour to process one standard drink, regardless of any attempts to "sober up" quickly.
What is a Standard Drink?
A standard drink contains approximately 14 grams (0.6 fluid ounces) of pure alcohol, which is typically found in:
- 12 oz (355 ml) of regular beer (5% alcohol)
- 5 oz (150 ml) of wine (12% alcohol)
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) of distilled spirits (40% alcohol)
Safety First
If you plan to drink, arrange for a designated driver, use public transportation, or rideshare services. Never drive under the influence of alcohol, regardless of your calculated BAC.