CalcaTools

BAC Calculator

A BAC Calculator is a free online tool that estimates blood alcohol calculator using blood alcohol calculator, how many drinks to get drunk, alcohol metabolism. Coaches, clinicians, and people tracking their health use it to set targets, track progress, and screen for risk against published guidance from CDC.

Last updated: June 2026 · Free · No sign-up required

Results

Enter values above and click Calculate to see your result instantly.

Quick reference

Approximate BAC effects:

BACTypical effect
0.02%Slight relaxation, mild impairment
0.05%Reduced coordination and judgment
0.08%Legal limit to drive (US) — impaired
0.15%Major impairment, loss of balance

monitor_weight A starting point, not a diagnosis

This calculator gives you the same number a clinician would compute by hand from your inputs. It is informational, never a substitute for a doctor. If a result surprises you, write it down and discuss it at your next appointment — that conversation is the goal, not a verdict from a webpage.

science Built from peer-reviewed formulas

Every health calculator on CalcaTools uses an equation from the WHO, NIH, ACOG, CDC, or a published peer-reviewed paper. The exact citation is in the "Formula & methodology" section. We re-check sources quarterly and update the page when guidance changes — the "Last reviewed" date is at the top.

volunteer_activism Designed for real people

Health calculations only help if you can actually use them. We use plain-English labels (no jargon), accept both metric and US units, and show what a "normal" range looks like alongside your result — so you understand what the number means, not just what it is.

lock Private by design

Your weight, height, age, pregnancy details, and any other health input never leave your browser. Calculations run client-side; nothing is logged or stored on our side. We don't want your medical data — we just want the formula to work for you.

Interpretation guide

What affects BAC:

FactorEffect
Body weightMore weight, lower BAC
SexWomen reach higher BAC per drink
TimeBAC falls ~0.015%/hour
FoodSlows absorption, lowers peak

Formula & methodology

Formula: BAC = (A x 5.14 / (W x r)) - (0.015 x H); A = alcohol oz, W = weight lb, r = 0.73 (M)/0.66 (F), H = hours

The calculator estimates blood alcohol content with the Widmark formula from the number of standard drinks, body weight, sex, and time since the first drink. Alcohol distributes through body water, so heavier people and (on average) men reach a lower BAC per drink. The body clears roughly 0.015% BAC per hour. This is an estimate only — never use it to decide whether it's safe to drive.

Authoritative source: CDC

Frequently asked questions

How is BAC calculated?
The Widmark formula uses alcohol consumed, body weight, a sex-based distribution ratio, and time. The calculator applies it for you.
How long does it take for BAC to reach zero?
The body eliminates about 0.015% per hour, so a 0.08% BAC takes roughly 5 hours to clear. Only time lowers BAC.
Why do women reach a higher BAC than men?
Women generally have a lower proportion of body water, so the same alcohol is less diluted, raising BAC.
Does food lower your BAC?
Eating slows alcohol absorption and reduces the peak BAC, but it does not speed elimination.
Is this calculator safe to use for driving decisions?
No. It's an estimate that ignores many individual factors. If you've been drinking, do not drive.