Units of Alcohol

The alcohol content of drinks is measured in units. One UK unit contains eight grams of pure alcohol.

The UK Government advises that men should not regularly drink more than three to four units a day and women not more than two to three. Consistently drinking four or more units for men, and three or more for women, isn't advisable because of the progressive health risks it carries.

So how many units are in your chosen drinks?


Note: ABV = alcohol by volume

Beer, Lager and Cider


330ml bottle at 4% or 5% ABV = 1.5 units


440ml can at 4% or 5% ABV = 2 units


440ml can at 8% or 9% ABV = 3.5 to 5 units


500ml can at 8% or 9% ABV = 4 to 4.5 units

 Low alcohol beer or lager


440ml can at 1.2% ABV = 0.5 units

 Wine


125ml glass of wine at 12% ABV = 1.5 unit


250ml glass of wine at 12% ABV = 2.1 units

 Spirits


25ml measure of spirit at 40% ABV = 1 unit


35ml measure of spirit at 40% ABV = 1.4 units

 Sherry, Port, Maderia and Vermouth


50ml measure at 20% ABV = 1 unit

 ‘Alcopop'


275ml bottle at 5% ABV = 1.4 units

Thanks to www.drinkaware.co.uk for this information.