Calculate your blood alcohol content based on the amount of alcohol consumed, body weight, and time. Key for understanding impairment and legal limits.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is the percentage of alcohol present in a person’s blood. BAC is expressed as a percentage, with a BAC of 0.08% being the per se limit for driving in many countries. The blood alcohol content (BAC) depends on many factors, such as the amount and type of alcohol consumed, body weight, sex, the time since the last drink, metabolism, etc.

BAC Calculator and Levels

A BAC calculator uses some vague data like weight, the number of drinks consumed, the percentage of alcohol in those drinks, and how long you have been drinking to estimate when you are sober enough to drive. A standard drink typically has 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, which is equal to:

• 12 ounces of beer at 5% ABV,
• 5 ounces of wine at 12% ABV,
• 1.5 ounces of liquor with 40% alcohol by volume (ABV)

Effects by level and normal range

• 0.00%–0.02%: Small effects; slight relaxation.
• 0.03%–0.07%: A feeling of mild euphoria, pointedly lowered inhibitions, and impaired judgment.
• 0.08%–0.14%: Impaired motor coordination, legal intoxication in most areas.
• 0.15%–0.30%: Severe impairment, confusion, and vomiting
• 0.30% - 0.40%: Potential for alcohol poisoning, unconsciousness.
• 0.40% and higher: Potentially lethal, coma, death

High BAC and Its Implications

The blood alcohol content of 1.3-1.5% is very high, which means acute alcohol poison with severe impairment, which can lead to death without medical interventions, as respiratory failure occurs.

At these levels (300 mg/dL, or 0.30 percent), unconsciousness or death is probable, depending on tolerance.

Conversion to Promille

It is easy to convert SAT BAC to promille, as the BAC indicated in percentage is multiplied by 10 (0.08% BAC = 0.8‰).

FAQs

What are dangerous BAC levels?

A BAC of 0.30% or higher is dangerous, and a BAC of 0.40% or higher is potentially lethal.

Is 1.3% BAC high?

1.3% is a potentially lethal, critically high blood alcohol content, requiring the person to be rushed to the hospital.

Does tolerance impair BAC readings?

Tolerance makes you feel less affected, but does not lower your blood alcohol content.

How to interpret a BAC chart?

BAC charts plot alcohol consumption vs weight and time, indicating impairment thresholds such as the 0.08% legal limit.

Knowing your BAC allows for more informed decisions about alcohol consumption and promotes the safety of yourself and others.