What does Canada's guidance say?
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction describes a weekly continuum: 0 drinks has benefits; 1–2 standard drinks is low risk; 3–6 is moderate risk; and 7 or more is increasingly high risk. It also says more than 2 standard drinks on an occasion is associated with increased risk of harms.
Start with the labelled alcohol amount
Beer, wine, cider, spirits, and cocktails vary substantially in ABV and serving size. Use the label and calculate pure alcohol from volume in ml × ABV as a decimal × 0.789. Our Canada standard-drinks calculator converts that amount using the country reference used on this site.
Useful tools
- Canada standard-drinks calculator — calculate a serving from volume and ABV.
- Standard drinks per container — understand a whole can or bottle.
- Alcohol grams calculator — compare pure alcohol directly.
- BAC Calculator with Canada standard drinks — estimate a range from individual drinks and context.
- Alcohol units by country — compare reference amounts.
Alcohol and safety
Never use a standard-drink count or BAC estimate to decide whether to drive or operate equipment. If alcohol is involved, arrange a sober way home. Contact local emergency services for signs of alcohol poisoning such as unconsciousness, seizures, repeated vomiting, or trouble breathing.