Alcohol Units Calculator — evidence-based tool to check your alcohol units. Includes formula, tips, and interpretation guide.
Units = (Volume in ml × ABV%) ÷ 1,000
This formula derives directly from the definition: 1 unit = 10ml of pure alcohol. Multiplying volume by ABV/100 gives ml of pure alcohol in the drink; dividing by 10 gives units. Calories are calculated as: Calories = Units × 8g × 7 kcal/g = Units × 56 kcal (since 1 unit = 8g of ethanol and ethanol provides ~7 kcal/g).
Worked example: a 250ml glass of 13% wine → (250 × 13) ÷ 1,000 = 3.25 units. Calories = 3.25 × 56 ≈ 182 kcal. A pint (568ml) of 5% beer → (568 × 5) ÷ 1,000 = 2.84 units. Calories ≈ 159 kcal from alcohol alone (not counting carbohydrates in beer).