What counts as a standard drink in the United States?
The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines one standard drink as about 14 grams, or 0.6 fluid ounces, of pure alcohol. Its examples include 12 fl oz regular beer at 5% ABV, 5 fl oz table wine at 12% ABV, and 1.5 fl oz spirits at 40% ABV.
Calculate from a label
Multiply volume in ml by ABV as a decimal and by 0.789 to estimate grams of pure alcohol. Divide by 14 for a U.S. standard-drink estimate. A 355 ml beer at 5% ABV contains about 14 g of pure alcohol, or about one U.S. standard drink.
Why this reference is useful
A standard-drink reference makes labels comparable across beer, wine, spirits, seltzers, and mixed drinks. It does not measure intoxication or tell anyone whether it is safe to drive, work, cycle, swim, or operate equipment.
Use the right calculator
- U.S. standard-drinks calculator — calculate one serving from its volume and ABV.
- Standard drinks per container — check a full can or bottle.
- Alcohol grams calculator — compare pure alcohol directly.
- BAC Calculator with U.S. standard drinks — estimate a range from individual drinks and context.
- Alcohol units by country — compare U.S. and international references.
Alcohol and safety
Do not use standard-drink counts or a BAC estimate as permission to drive or make a medical or legal decision. If alcohol is involved, arrange a sober way home before drinking. Seek local emergency help if someone is unconscious, has trouble breathing, has seizures, or you suspect alcohol poisoning.