Use Spital Clinic's Alcohol Units Calculator to track your alcohol intake and understand its impact on your health.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is based on NHS recommendations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice on medical conditions or treatments.
Many of us are advised to monitor our alcohol intake, but few understand what a unit of alcohol is. With various drinks and glass sizes, from shots to pints to bottles, it’s easy to get confused. Counting alcohol units was introduced in the UK in 1987 to help people track their drinking.
Units express the quantity of pure alcohol in a drink. One unit equals 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol. This is roughly the amount of alcohol the average adult can process in an hour. In theory, there should be little or no alcohol left in an adult's blood after an hour, though this varies from person to person. The number of units in a drink depends on the drink's size and alcohol strength. For instance, a pint of strong lager contains 3 units, while the same volume of lower-strength lager has just over 2 units. Knowing your units helps you stay in control of your drinking.
Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week regularly. To keep health risks from alcohol low:
14 units equal 6 pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of lower-strength wine.
Using units simplifies representing a drink's alcohol content, usually expressed by Alcohol by Volume (ABV). ABV is a measure of pure alcohol as a percentage of the total drink volume. You can find the ABV on labels of cans and bottles, sometimes written as "vol" or "alcohol volume," or ask bar staff about specific drinks. For example, wine with "12% ABV" means 12% of the drink is pure alcohol. To work out the number of units in a drink, use this formula: Strength (ABV)×Volume (ml)÷1000=Units
To find the units in a pint (568ml) of strong lager (ABV 5.2%): 5.2×568÷1000=2.95units
For a quicker method, use our unit calculator.
Cutting back on alcohol can improve health, boost energy, help lose weight, and save money. Drinking less might lower the risk of high blood pressure. With the right help, it’s easier than you think.
Drinking nearly every day increases the risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so get it checked regularly. If your blood pressure is high, it can be managed through lifestyle changes or medication.
Note:
(i) Alcoholic drinks are high in calories. Cutting back on alcohol helps reduce calorie intake. Reducing alcohol consumption improves overall health and provides more energy for physical activities.
(ii) Otool is a guide and does not replace professional medical advice. If concerned about your weight, consult your local pharmacist or GP.
We provide a comprehensive range of services, from private GP consultations and specialised men's and women's health care to advanced ultrasound scans and proactive health screenings, all within a reassuring and state-of-the-art environment.
You have a question about Alcohol Consumption? We have an answer.
A unit of alcohol contains 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol. It's a standardised way to measure alcohol content in drinks. Understanding units helps you track and manage your alcohol intake. Different drinks contain varying numbers of units. For example, a pint of beer typically has 2-3 units, while a 175ml glass of wine has about 2 units. Your GP can provide more detailed information about alcohol units in various drinks. They can help you understand how units relate to your personal health risks. Remember, units don't account for individual factors like body weight or metabolism. Your GP can offer personalised advice based on your health status and drinking habits.
The UK Chief Medical Officers advise adults not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week regularly. This guidance applies to both men and women. It's best to spread these units over three or more days. Having several alcohol-free days each week is also recommended. These guidelines aim to keep health risks from alcohol to a low level. Your GP can help you understand how these guidelines apply to your personal situation. They'll consider factors like your age, health conditions, and medications. Regular check-ups allow your GP to monitor your alcohol intake and its effects on your health.
Regularly exceeding 14 units weekly increases your risk of various health problems. These include liver disease, certain cancers, heart disease, and stroke. Heavy drinking can also lead to high blood pressure and mental health issues. It may cause weight gain and affect your appearance. Alcohol misuse can impact your relationships and work life too. Your GP can provide a personalised risk assessment based on your drinking habits. They might recommend additional health screenings if you're drinking at risky levels. Your GP can also offer support and resources if you're looking to cut down your alcohol intake.
Understanding units in common drinks helps you monitor your alcohol intake. A pint of beer (4% ABV) contains about 2.3 units. A standard glass of wine (175ml, 12% ABV) has around 2.1 units. A single measure of spirits (25ml, 40% ABV) equals 1 unit. Cocktails can vary widely, often containing 2-3 units or more. Your GP can provide more detailed information about units in various drinks. They might recommend keeping a drink diary to track your intake accurately. Remember, home-poured drinks are often larger than standard measures. Your GP can offer strategies to help you stick to recommended limits.
Alcohol's short-term effects vary based on the amount consumed and individual factors. 1-2 units may increase heart rate and sociability. 4-6 units can impair judgment and coordination. 8-9 units often lead to slurred speech and blurred vision. 10-12 units risk severe impairment and alcohol poisoning. Your GP can explain how alcohol affects your body and brain. They'll consider factors like your weight, gender, and overall health. If you're concerned about your drinking, your GP can offer advice and support. They might recommend strategies to reduce your intake or manage alcohol's effects.
Prolonged alcohol misuse can lead to serious health problems. These include liver disease, high blood pressure, and increased cancer risk. It may cause pancreatitis, brain damage, and harm to the nervous system. Long-term heavy drinking can affect mental health, leading to anxiety and depression. It might also contribute to relationship problems and financial difficulties. Your GP can assess your risk based on your drinking habits and overall health. They might recommend tests to check for alcohol-related health issues. Your GP can also provide support and resources if you're looking to reduce your alcohol intake.
There's no completely safe level of alcohol consumption. Even low levels of drinking can increase certain health risks. However, keeping within the recommended 14 units per week helps minimise these risks. It's important to have several alcohol-free days each week. Your personal safe level may be lower depending on factors like age and health conditions. Your GP can provide personalised advice about safe drinking levels for you. They'll consider your overall health, medications, and lifestyle factors. Regular check-ups allow your GP to monitor how alcohol affects your health over time.
To reduce alcohol-related health risks, limit your intake to under 14 units weekly. Spread your drinking over three or more days rather than binge drinking. Have several alcohol-free days each week. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks when out. Opt for lower-strength drinks and use smaller glasses. Your GP can offer personalised strategies to help you cut down. They might suggest keeping a drink diary or avoiding drinking triggers. If you're struggling to reduce your intake, your GP can provide additional support or referrals.
Alcohol can significantly impact mental health, especially with regular heavy drinking. It may worsen anxiety and depression, creating a vicious cycle. Heavy drinking increases the risk of self-harm and suicide. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of mental health medications. It might also lead to memory problems and difficulty concentrating. Your GP can assess how your drinking affects your mental health. They might recommend cutting down or abstaining to improve your mental wellbeing. Your GP can provide support or refer you to mental health services if needed.
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency requiring immediate action. Signs include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, and unconsciousness. If you suspect alcohol poisoning, dial 999 for an ambulance immediately. Don't leave the person alone and try to keep them sitting up. If they're unconscious, put them in the recovery position. Don't try to make them vomit as this could cause choking. Your GP can provide information on recognising and preventing alcohol poisoning. They might offer advice on safer drinking practices to avoid such emergencies. Regular check-ups allow your GP to address any concerns about your drinking habits.
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