The low-risk guideline
The UK Chief Medical Officers advise no more than 14 units a week on a regular basis. If you do drink that much, spread it over three or more days rather than “saving it up”, and have some alcohol-free days.
What is a unit?
One unit is 10 ml (8 g) of pure alcohol. As a guide: a single 25 ml spirit shot ≈ 1 unit; a small 125 ml glass of wine ≈ 1.5 units; a pint of lower-strength beer ≈ 2 units; a large 250 ml glass of wine ≈ 3 units. Stronger drinks contain more.
How to count units
Multiply the volume in litres by the ABV percentage: units = (ml × ABV%) ÷ 1000. For example, a 330 ml bottle at 5% is (330 × 5) ÷ 1000 = 1.65 units. Our calculator adds up your week for you.
Simple ways to cut down
Set a weekly target, alternate alcoholic drinks with water, choose lower-strength options, use smaller glasses, and plan drink-free days. Even modest reductions lower your long-term risks.