Estimated BAC
Modified WidmarkDriving ability can decline well below the common 0.08% legal limit.
Illustrative only · assumes entered alcohol is fully absorbed · projection assumes no more drinks
Estimated BAC 0.046 percent. Impairment possible. Model range 0.026 to 0.056 percent, based only on elimination-rate variation. Estimated time to zero about 3 hours 5 minutes.
How Does the Drunk Calculator Work?
This drunk calculator estimates blood alcohol content with the modified Widmark formula. It first converts what you drank into grams of pure alcohol. Quick mode uses 14 grams for each U.S. standard drink. Drink Details mode multiplies servings by milliliters, alcohol by volume, and ethanol density (0.789 g/mL), then totals every drink. The calculator divides those alcohol grams by body weight in grams and a distribution factor: 0.68 for male or 0.55 for female. It then subtracts 0.015 BAC percentage points for every hour since the first drink. The displayed range repeats the calculation with elimination rates of 0.010 and 0.025 per hour. This model assumes the entered alcohol is fully absorbed, so it cannot reproduce changing absorption after recent drinks. Food, drinking speed, body composition, medication, and health can alter actual BAC. Treat the result as educational only; never use it to decide whether it is safe to drive.
BAC = (alcohol g ÷ (body weight g × r)) × 100 − (0.015 × hours)
BAC Levels and Effects
Alcohol affects people differently. These commonly reported effects are a general reference, not a way to judge whether you are safe to drive.
| BAC level | Possible effects |
|---|---|
| 0.02% | Relaxation, slight body warmth |
| 0.05% | Euphoria, lowered inhibitions |
| 0.08% | Legal limit (US), impaired coordination |
| 0.10% | Slurred speech, slowed reaction time |
| 0.15% | Severe impairment, possible vomiting |
| 0.30%+ | Stupor, risk of alcohol poisoning |
The 0.08% threshold is a common U.S. per se limit for adult noncommercial drivers. Lower limits can apply, laws vary, and driving can be impaired at lower BAC levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is a drunk calculator?
A drunk calculator provides an estimate, not a measurement. Food, drinking pace, body composition, medication, health, and alcohol absorption can make your actual BAC different.
How long does it take for BAC to return to zero?
This calculator uses an average elimination rate of 0.015 percentage points per hour. The actual rate varies, and nothing can make your body metabolize alcohol instantly.
What is the legal BAC limit in the United States?
For most adult noncommercial drivers in the US, 0.08% BAC is the per se legal limit. Lower limits apply to commercial drivers and drivers under 21, and impairment can begin below any legal threshold.
Can coffee, food, or a cold shower lower BAC?
No. Coffee, food, and cold showers do not remove alcohol already in your bloodstream. Only time lowers BAC; food may slow absorption if eaten before or while drinking.