Impaired
0.040%
Legal Limit (USA)
0.080%
Time Until Sober
2h 42m
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only. Actual BAC varies based on many factors. Never drink and drive. When in doubt, use a rideshare or designated driver.
Blood Alcohol Content
0.040%
Impaired
0.080%
USA
2h 42m
estimate
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Inputs
Result
Alcohol = 3 x 0.6 oz = 1.8 oz. BAC = (1.8 x 5.14) / (180 x 0.73) - (0.015 x 2) = 9.252 / 131.4 - 0.03 = 0.0704 - 0.03 = 0.0404. Displayed as (0.0404 x 100).toFixed(3) = 4.041%. Time until sober = 0.0404 / 0.015 = 2.7h = 2h 42m.
Inputs
Result
Alcohol = 2 x 0.6 oz = 1.2 oz. BAC = (1.2 x 5.14) / (140 x 0.66) - (0.015 x 1) = 6.168 / 92.4 - 0.015 = 0.0668 - 0.015 = 0.0518. Displayed as (0.0518 x 100).toFixed(3) = 5.175%. Time = 0.0518 / 0.015 = 3.45h = 3h 27m.
BAC = (Alcohol in grams ÷ Body weight in grams × Gender constant) - (0.015 × hours elapsed). Widmark formula accounts for weight, gender, drinks, and time. Example: 180 lb man, 3 beers over 2 hours ≈ 0.04% BAC.
| Person | 2 Drinks | 4 Drinks | 6 Drinks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb woman | 0.07% | 0.14% | 0.22% |
| 160 lb woman | 0.05% | 0.11% | 0.16% |
| 160 lb man | 0.04% | 0.09% | 0.13% |
| 200 lb man | 0.03% | 0.07% | 0.10% |
USA: 0.08% for 21+, 0.04% for commercial drivers, 0.00-0.02% for under 21 (zero tolerance). Utah: 0.05%. Many countries have lower limits. Impairment begins well before legal limit - even 0.02% affects driving.
| Location | BAC Limit | Penalties | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA (most states) | 0.08% | Fines, license suspension, jail | Per se limit |
| USA (Utah) | 0.05% | Same as above | Strictest US state |
| USA (under 21) | 0.00-0.02% | Immediate license suspension | Zero tolerance |
| Commercial drivers | 0.04% | CDL suspension | Federal law |
| UK | 0.08% | Varies | Scotland: 0.05% |
| Australia | 0.05% | Fines, suspension | All states |
| Most EU countries | 0.05% | Varies | Some 0.00% |
Body metabolizes ~0.015% BAC per hour (roughly 1 standard drink). From 0.08% → 0.00% takes ~5.5 hours. From 0.15% → 0.00% takes ~10 hours. Nothing speeds this up - not coffee, food, or cold showers. Only time works.
| Starting BAC | Time to 0.08% | Time to 0.05% | Time to 0.00% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.05% | Already below | Already below | ~3.5 hours |
| 0.08% | Already at | ~2 hours | ~5.5 hours |
| 0.10% | ~1.5 hours | ~3.5 hours | ~7 hours |
| 0.15% | ~4.5 hours | ~6.5 hours | ~10 hours |
| 0.20% | ~8 hours | ~10 hours | ~13 hours |
Standard drink = 0.6 oz (14g) pure alcohol. That's: 12 oz regular beer (5%), 5 oz wine (12%), 1.5 oz spirits (40%). Craft beers (8-12%) and cocktails often contain 1.5-3 standard drinks. Always check ABV.
| Drink Type | Serving Size | ABV | Standard Drinks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light beer | 12 oz | 4% | 0.8 |
| Regular beer | 12 oz | 5% | 1.0 |
| Craft IPA | 12 oz | 7-9% | 1.4-1.8 |
| Wine | 5 oz | 12% | 1.0 |
| Wine (restaurant pour) | 6-8 oz | 14% | 1.4-1.9 |
| Shot (vodka, whiskey) | 1.5 oz | 40% | 1.0 |
| Margarita | 4-6 oz | Varies | 1.5-2.5 |
| Long Island Iced Tea | 8 oz | Varies | 3-4 |
Same drinks = higher BAC for women due to: 1) Lower body water (52% vs 61%) = more concentrated alcohol, 2) Less stomach enzyme (ADH) = more alcohol absorbed, 3) Generally lower body weight, 4) Hormonal fluctuations affect metabolism.
| 3 Standard Drinks | 120 lb Woman | 160 lb Man | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated BAC | 0.10% | 0.05% | 2× higher |
| Time to 0.08% | Already above | Below limit | N/A |
| Time to sober | ~7 hours | ~3.5 hours | 2× longer |
Effects progress from relaxation (0.02-0.03%) to impaired judgment (0.05%) to legal intoxication (0.08%) to severe impairment (0.15%) to alcohol poisoning risk (0.25%+). Driving is impaired well before legal limit.
| BAC Level | Effects | Driving Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 0.02-0.03% | Relaxation, slight warmth | Slight decline in visual function |
| 0.05-0.06% | Lowered inhibitions, impaired judgment | Reduced coordination, harder to track objects |
| 0.08% | Poor muscle coordination, impaired reasoning | Concentration difficult, speed control impaired |
| 0.10-0.12% | Slurred speech, poor balance | Significantly impaired, reaction time very slow |
| 0.15%+ | Major loss of balance, vomiting possible | Substantial impairment - very dangerous |
| 0.25%+ | Confusion, vomiting, may pass out | Risk of alcohol poisoning |
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Last Updated: Oct 19, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.