BAC Calculator
Educational blood alcohol content (BAC) estimate using body weight, standard drinks, and time. Do not use to make driving or safety decisions.
Enter Values
Result
Enter values above and click Calculate to see your result.
AI Assistant
Ask about this calculator
I can help you understand the bac calculator formula, interpret your results, and answer follow-up questions.
Try asking
Formula
How it works: Standard drinks are modeled as fixed alcohol grams. The estimate applies a gender-based body water constant and subtracts a typical elimination rate over time.
Worked Example
How Blood Alcohol Content is Estimated
This calculator uses the Widmark formula, a widely referenced method that estimates BAC based on the amount of alcohol consumed, body weight, gender, and time elapsed since drinking.
- The Widmark formula distributes alcohol across body water volume, which differs between males (approximately 68%) and females (approximately 55%) by body weight
- One standard drink contains approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol, equivalent to 12 oz beer at 5%, 5 oz wine at 12%, or 1.5 oz spirits at 40%
- The body eliminates alcohol at an average rate of 0.015% BAC per hour, though individual rates can vary from 0.010% to 0.020%
- Food in the stomach slows alcohol absorption but does not change the total amount absorbed, meaning it delays but does not reduce peak BAC
This calculator is for educational purposes only. Individual BAC varies significantly based on metabolism, food intake, hydration, medications, and other factors. Never use any BAC estimate to make driving or safety decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this estimate accurate enough to decide whether to drive?
No. BAC estimates vary widely based on individual biology, food intake, hydration, medications, and actual drink sizes. Never use any calculator to make driving decisions. Plan safe transportation in advance.
What counts as one standard drink?
In the US, one standard drink contains approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol. This equals 12 oz of regular beer (5% ABV), 5 oz of wine (12% ABV), or 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (40% ABV). Craft beers and cocktails often contain significantly more alcohol than one standard drink.
How long does it take for BAC to return to zero?
The body eliminates alcohol at an average rate of about 0.015% BAC per hour. A BAC of 0.08% would take roughly 5 to 6 hours to fully eliminate, though individual rates vary. Sleep, coffee, and cold showers do not speed up elimination.
Does eating food reduce BAC?
Eating before or while drinking slows alcohol absorption, which can lower peak BAC. However, food does not reduce the total amount of alcohol absorbed. The same total alcohol will eventually reach your bloodstream regardless of food intake.
What is the legal BAC limit for driving?
In most US states, the legal limit is 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and over. Many states have lower limits for commercial drivers (0.04%) and zero tolerance for drivers under 21. Legal limits vary by country and jurisdiction.
Can I use this BAC Calculator on my own web page?
You can. Look for the "Embed" button near the top of this calculator. It lets you pick a size, border style, and color palette, then gives you an iframe tag to paste into any webpage. The widget is responsive, loads fast, and costs nothing. More details at calculory.com/services/embed-calculators.
AI Assistant
Ask about this calculator
I can help you understand the bac calculator formula, interpret your results, and answer follow-up questions.
Try asking
More Lifestyle Calculators
View allRelated Articles
All articles
How Many BTU Do I Need? AC Sizing Guide for Every Room
Find out exactly how many BTU your room needs for effective cooling or heating. This guide covers room-by-room BTU requirements, sizing factors, and the formula HVAC professionals use.
Read article
TV Mounting Height Guide for Every Room
TV mounting height guide for living rooms, bedrooms, and fireplaces. Use eye level, screen size, and viewing distance to mount your TV comfortably.
Read article
What Size TV Should I Buy? Complete Guide by Room Size and Distance
Find the perfect TV size for your room with our complete guide. Learn how viewing distance, resolution, and room layout affect the ideal screen size for living rooms, bedrooms, and more.
Read article
Types of Calculators in 2026: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right One
Every type of calculator explained: basic, desk, scientific, graphing, printing, financial, construction (Sonic Cal style), online, app, and voice. Pick the right one in under a minute.
Read articleModern Tools for Every Need
Secure and Private
All calculations run locally. Your data never leaves your browser.
Verified Precision
Fun and Lifestyle Tools Powered by Calculory AI