What is a BAC calculator?

A BAC calculator estimates your Blood Alcohol Content based on inputs like weight, gender, number of standard drinks and time. It provides an educational estimate, not a legal measurement.

Is the BAC estimate accurate?

It uses the Widmark formula and typical metabolism rates. Individual physiology, medications, and food intake can cause significant variation. For legal or safety-critical purposes, use a certified test.

Do you store my data?

No. All calculations run in your browser and are not uploaded or stored on our servers.

What is a standard drink?

In the U.S., one standard drink contains about 14g of pure alcohol: 12oz beer (5%), 5oz wine (12%), or 1.5oz spirits (40%).

What is the legal BAC limit?

In most U.S. states, the per se limit for non-commercial adult drivers is 0.08 BAC; many countries have different limits. Younger drivers and commercial drivers often have lower limits.

How long until I am sober?

A typical elimination rate is about 0.015 BAC per hour, but this varies. Our tool shows an estimate of time to reach 0.00 BAC.

How Long Until Sober? BAC Elimination Time Calculator

Calculate Your Personal Sobriety Time

Get a personalized estimate of how long until you're sober based on your weight, gender, drinks consumed, and time drinking. Remember: these are estimates only.

BAC Elimination Time Reference

~0.015

BAC eliminated per hour

Average rate for healthy adults

0.02

BAC Level

1.3 hours

1 drink for average person

0.04

BAC Level

2.7 hours

2 drinks for average person

0.06

BAC Level

4.0 hours

3 drinks for average person

0.08

BAC Level

5.3 hours

4 drinks for average person

0.10

BAC Level

6.7 hours

5 drinks for average person

0.12

BAC Level

8.0 hours

6 drinks for average person

0.15

BAC Level

10.0 hours

7-8 drinks for average person

0.20

BAC Level

13.3 hours

Dangerous level - seek help

Important Note

These are average estimates based on the standard elimination rate of 0.015 BAC per hour. Individual rates can vary significantly based on the factors listed below.

Factors Affecting Alcohol Elimination

Body Weight & Composition

Higher Impact

Larger people generally metabolize alcohol faster due to more liver tissue and blood volume.

Gender

Moderate Impact

Men typically metabolize alcohol slightly faster than women due to higher levels of alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme.

Age

Moderate Impact

Metabolism slows with age. Older adults process alcohol more slowly than younger adults.

Food Intake

Moderate Impact

Food slows alcohol absorption but doesn't significantly change elimination rate once absorbed.

Liver Health

High Impact

Liver disease or damage significantly slows alcohol metabolism and elimination.

Medications

Variable Impact

Some medications can slow alcohol metabolism or increase impairment effects.

Sobering Up: Myths vs Facts

✗Common Myths (Don't Work)

Coffee & Caffeine

Coffee may make you feel more alert, but it doesn't eliminate alcohol from your system any faster.

Cold Showers

Cold water might wake you up, but your liver still processes alcohol at the same rate.

🏃Exercise

Sweating doesn't eliminate significant amounts of alcohol. Only about 2-5% is eliminated through sweat and breath.

✓What Actually Works

Time

Only time allows your liver to metabolize alcohol. There are no shortcuts to sobriety.

Hydration

Staying hydrated helps you feel better and prevents dehydration, but doesn't speed up alcohol elimination.

Rest

Sleep allows your body to recover and your liver to work efficiently, though it doesn't speed up the process.

Safe Waiting Guidelines

1 Hour

Per Standard Drink

Minimum waiting time as a general rule

0.00

Target BAC

Wait until completely sober before driving

When in Doubt

Don't Drive

Use alternative transportation

Professional Recommendations

For Driving: Wait at least 1 hour per drink, plus additional time to reach 0.00 BAC

For Work: Consider workplace policies - some require 8-12 hours between drinking and working

For Safety-Critical Jobs: Many require 24 hours between drinking and working

For Flying: FAA requires 8 hours "bottle to throttle" for pilots

Plan Your Sobriety Time

Use our BAC calculator to estimate both your current BAC and how long until you're sober. Plan ahead, stay safe, and make responsible decisions about driving and other activities.