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BAC Calculator.

Estimate blood alcohol content using the Widmark formula. Enter weight, sex, drinks consumed, and time since first drink.

Important: BAC estimates are for educational purposes only. Never rely on this calculator to determine if you are safe to drive. Metabolism varies significantly between individuals. If you've been drinking, do not drive.

1 standard drink = 12 oz beer (5%), 5 oz wine (12%), or 1.5 oz spirits (40%)

Estimated BAC

Effect

Time until BAC reaches 0.00%
Estimated BAC is at or above the legal driving limit in the US (0.08%). Do not drive.

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The Widmark Formula

Developed by Swedish pharmacologist Erik Widmark in the 1930s, the Widmark formula is the standard method used by toxicologists, law enforcement, and medical professionals worldwide to estimate BAC from known variables.

BAC: (Alcohol in grams ÷ Body weight in grams ÷ r) × 100 − (0.015 × hours)
r factor: 0.68 for men, 0.55 for women (body water distribution ratio)
Elimination rate: 0.015% per hour (average metabolic rate)
Standard drink: 14g pure alcohol (US definition)

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Knowledge Base

Understanding BAC: Widmark Formula and Alcohol Metabolism Methodology.

Blood alcohol content (BAC) measures grams of alcohol per 100 mL of blood, expressed as a percentage. The Widmark formula estimates BAC from drinks consumed, body weight, sex, and time elapsed. Women reach higher BAC than men at the same intake because they have less body water (lower r factor) to distribute the alcohol.

The Calculation Branch

BAC = (drinks × 14g / body weight in grams / r) × 100 − (0.015 × hours) | r = 0.68 (male) / 0.55 (female) | 14g alcohol = 1 standard US drink

Industrial Standards.

The 0.015% per hour elimination rate is an average — individual rates range from 0.010 to 0.030 depending on liver enzyme activity, body composition, food intake, hydration, and medications. This means actual BAC could be higher or lower than the estimate by 20–30%. The Widmark formula also doesn't account for alcohol absorption rate, which is slower on a full stomach.

In-Depth Analysis & Reference Data

A 'standard drink' varies by country. The US standard is 14g of pure alcohol (12 oz 5% beer, 5 oz 12% wine, 1.5 oz 40% spirits). The UK unit is 8g, Australia uses 10g. When comparing BAC calculators, ensure they use the same drink definition. Bar drinks often exceed one standard drink — a cocktail with 2 oz of spirits counts as 1.33 standard US drinks; a pint of craft beer at 8% counts as 1.6 standard drinks.

Registry Questions & FAQ.

Does food affect BAC?

Yes, significantly. Food slows alcohol absorption from the stomach into the bloodstream. Drinking on a full stomach can delay peak BAC by 30–90 minutes and reduce peak BAC by up to 30% compared to drinking on an empty stomach. However, food does not change how quickly your body eliminates alcohol — total alcohol processed over a night remains the same; food just smooths out the curve and reduces the peak.

What BAC levels cause different effects?

0.01–0.03%: Subtle relaxation, no clear impairment for most. 0.04–0.07%: Mild euphoria, reduced reaction time, some coordination issues. 0.08–0.10%: Legal limit for driving in the US — clear impairment in coordination, judgment, and memory. 0.15–0.25%: Severe impairment, possible blackout. 0.25%+: Life-threatening — respiratory depression risk. 0.40%+: Potentially fatal for most people.

Estimates for planning. Always confirm against an authoritative source.