What is an Australian standard drink?
An Australian standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. It is a reference amount used to compare alcohol between products; it is not a recommendation to drink and it does not measure impairment.
Read the label, then calculate
Australian containers commonly state the number of standard drinks, but the label's volume and ABV still provide the clearest comparison. Estimate pure alcohol with volume in ml × ABV as a decimal × 0.789, then divide by 10.
| Example label | Approx. pure alcohol | Australian standard drinks |
|---|---|---|
| 375 ml beer at 4.8% ABV | 14.2 g | 1.4 |
| 150 ml wine at 12% ABV | 14.2 g | 1.4 |
| 30 ml spirit at 40% ABV | 9.5 g | 0.9 |
NHMRC health-risk guidance
The National Health and Medical Research Council says healthy adults can reduce the risk of alcohol-related disease or injury by having no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 on any one day. It also states that less alcohol means lower risk. Children and people under 18 should not drink alcohol.
Use the right tool
- Australia standard-drinks calculator — calculate one serving from volume and ABV.
- Australia standard-drinks calculator — use the dedicated Australian tool.
- Standard drinks per container — check a full bottle or can.
- BAC Calculator with Australian standard drinks — estimate a range from individual drinks and context.
- Alcohol units by country — compare national references.
Alcohol and safety
If alcohol is involved, plan a sober way home before drinking. Seek local emergency help if someone is unconscious, has trouble breathing, has seizures, or repeatedly vomits.