Health
How to count standard drinks in Australia
One Australian standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol, whatever the glass looks like.
Australian alcohol labels must state the number of standard drinks, but poured drinks such as wine at home, cocktails and spirits rarely come labelled. The formula is simple: volume in litres × % alcohol × 0.789, where 0.789 is the density of alcohol.
Common drinks worked out
| Drink | Calculation | Standard drinks |
|---|---|---|
| 375 ml can of 4.8% beer | 0.375 × 4.8 × 0.789 | 1.4 |
| 375 ml can of 3.5% mid-strength | 0.375 × 3.5 × 0.789 | 1.0 |
| 150 ml glass of 13.5% wine | 0.15 × 13.5 × 0.789 | 1.6 |
| 750 ml bottle of 13.5% wine | 0.75 × 13.5 × 0.789 | 8.0 |
| 30 ml shot of 40% spirits | 0.03 × 40 × 0.789 | 0.9 |
| 425 ml schooner/pint of 5% beer | 0.425 × 5 × 0.789 | 1.7 |
The guidelines
The NHMRC's Australian guidelines (2020) say healthy adults should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 on any one day to reduce the risk of harm. They also advise that under-18s, and people who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, should not drink at all.
💡 Pro Tip: Home pours are usually bigger than you think. Pour your usual glass of wine into a measuring jug once and see.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Standard drinks = litres × ABV% × 0.789.
- One standard drink = 10 g of alcohol.
- Guideline: no more than 10 a week and 4 on any one day.
Open the standard drinks calculator →
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