Check Your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)

Use our BAC calculator to estimate your current level of intoxication.

BAC Calculator

Understanding Blood Alcohol Content

BAC (blood alcohol content) measures the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream, expressed as a percentage representing grams of alcohol per 100 grams of blood. For example, a BAC of 0.08% means 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100 grams of blood. This level is significant because it's the legal driving limit in many U.S. states and countries worldwide. Driving above this limit is illegal and significantly increases the risk of accidents and fatalities.

How Your Body Processes Alcohol

Your liver begins metabolizing alcohol immediately after consumption through enzymatic reactions that convert it into less harmful substances for elimination. However, the liver has limited capacity—typically processing about one standard drink per hour. A standard U.S. drink contains approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol, equivalent to:

• 12 ounces of beer
• 5 ounces of wine
• 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits

When alcohol intake exceeds your liver's processing ability, alcohol circulates in your bloodstream, raising your BAC and increasing both immediate and long-term risks. As BAC increases, you may experience:

• Mild impairment and memory issues
• Reduced inhibitions and judgment
• Blurry vision and slurred speech
• Dizziness and disorientation
• Impaired motor skills and judgment
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blackouts or memory loss
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Dangerously slowed breathing and heart rate

Factors That Affect BAC Levels

Several elements influence your blood alcohol content:

• Age: Older individuals may have higher BAC levels due to decreased liver efficiency and lower body water content
• Sex: Women typically have higher BAC due to more body fat, less water content, and hormonal fluctuations
• Weight and Body Composition: Heavier individuals generally have lower BAC, while muscle tissue (with more water) can dilute alcohol
• Liver Health: Any liver impairment leads to higher, longer-lasting BAC levels
• Food Intake: Eating before or while drinking slows alcohol absorption
• Rate of Consumption: Binge drinking overwhelms the liver, causing rapid BAC spikes
• Medications: Some drugs interact with alcohol, potentially increasing BAC
• Genetic Factors: Genetic variations can speed up or slow down alcohol metabolism
• Chronic Alcohol Consumption: Tolerance doesn't lower BAC—experienced drinkers may function with high BAC but face the same health risks

Why BAC Matters for Your Health

Even low BAC levels can significantly impact your mental and physical wellbeing. As BAC increases, so do potential risks:

• 0.02%-0.05% BAC: Altered mood, reduced inhibition, minor motor impairment
• 0.06%-0.15% BAC: Initial euphoria followed by impaired speech, memory, coordination, and balance; 0.08% is illegal for driving in most states
• 0.16%-0.30% BAC: Potential blackouts, vomiting, severe motor control loss, increased injury risk, cognitive decline
• Above 0.31% BAC: Life-threatening alcohol poisoning—unconsciousness, breathing difficulties, seizures, potential coma or death without immediate medical care

Consistently high BAC levels over time are linked to chronic health issues including liver disease, pancreatitis, certain cancers, stroke, mental health disorders, and alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Managing Your BAC

Keep your BAC within safer ranges with these strategies:

• Pace Your Drinking: Limit consumption to about one standard drink per hour
• Stay Hydrated: Drink water between alcoholic beverages to slow alcohol absorption
• Eat Before Drinking: Consume protein and fat-rich foods to slow alcohol entry into your bloodstream
• Plan Transportation: Never drive after drinking—arrange alternative transportation in advance