Calculate UK alcohol units from drink volume, ABV and quantity, then compare the total with NHS low-risk guidance.
This calculator estimates units only. It cannot determine blood alcohol level, impairment, driving safety or how quickly an individual processes alcohol.
How to use the Alcohol Units Calculator UK
Enter the volume and ABV of one drink, then the number of identical drinks. Add the period over which those drinks are consumed. The calculator shows units per drink, total units and an average per week.
Alcohol units formula
| Result | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Units per drink | Volume in ml × ABV ÷ 1,000 |
| Total units | Units per drink × number of drinks |
| Pure alcohol | Total units × 10 ml |
| Weekly average | Total units ÷ period in weeks |
What is one UK alcohol unit?
The NHS explains that one unit equals 10 ml or 8 g of pure alcohol. Its alcohol units guidance uses the same volume × ABV ÷ 1,000 formula used by this calculator.
Understanding the 14-unit guidance
The NHS advises men and women not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week to keep health risks from alcohol low. If drinking as much as 14 units, it advises spreading this over three or more days and having several drink-free days.
Why serving size matters
The same type of drink can contain different units because glass sizes, can sizes and ABV vary. Use the actual label and serving volume rather than assuming every beer, wine or spirit measure is the same.
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Frequently asked questions
How many millilitres of pure alcohol are in one unit?
One UK unit represents 10 ml of pure alcohol.
Is the 14-unit figure a target?
No. It is an upper low-risk guideline for regular weekly drinking, not an amount people should aim to consume.
Can the calculator tell when I am sober?
No. Processing time varies and this calculator does not estimate blood alcohol concentration or sobriety.
Should I use the bottle size or glass size?
Use the volume actually consumed. For a glass poured from a bottle, enter the glass volume.
Can I calculate several different drinks together?
Calculate each different volume and ABV separately, then add their total units.