Standard Drink
A standard drink contains approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol, equivalent to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. This measurement helps people track alcohol intake accurately, as different beverages contain varying alcohol concentrations. Understanding standard drinks enables better monitoring of consumption patterns and adherence to moderate drinking guidelines.
TL;DR
A standard drink is a fixed 14 g of pure alcoholâabout one beer, one glass of wine, or one shotâused to track and compare alcohol intake.
Expert Insights
âThere is no more effective way to make yourself do something than to make yourself want to do it.â
â Discussing motivation for sobriety
âNo one has ever died from sobriety, which means quitting alcohol is primarily a psychological process.â
â Discussing approaches to overcoming alcohol addiction
From the Sober.Live Knowledge Base
Key Points
- âOne US standard drink = 14 g ethanol, regardless of liquid volume or beverage type.
- âCounting standard drinks reveals true consumption and supports moderation or abstinence goals.
- âPours often exceed one standard drink; measuring protects against accidental overuse.
- âApps, measuring cups, and simple formulas make tracking easy and judgment-free.
A standard drink is a measuring tool, not a moral judgment. It simply says: 14 grams of pure alcohol. That could be 12 oz of 5 % beer, 5 oz of 12 % wine, or 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor. Because alcohol contentânot the color of the liquidâdetermines intoxication, knowing this unit lets you compare a craft IPA to a margarita without guessing.
Why it matters in recovery
Counting standard drinks turns vague habits into clear data. If you are moderating, you can set a daily or weekly ceiling (for example, the U.S. guideline of â€2 per day for men, â€1 for women). If you are abstinent, recognizing that one âsmallâ refill can equal three standard drinks helps you walk away before the first sip. Many relapse stories begin with âI only had oneâŠâ when that one was actually two-and-a-half.
Practical tracking tips
- Use a marked cup or shot glass at home; eyeballing pours usually over-serves.
- Try a free app such as Drinkaware or AlcoDroidâenter the beverage and volume and it converts to standard drinks automatically.
- The 60-second math: ml Ă %ABV Ă· 17 â standard drinks (works for U.S. 14 g definition). Example: 250 ml of 13 % wine = 250 Ă 13 Ă· 17 â 1.9 standard drinks.
- Plan ahead: A 750 ml bottle of wine at 12 % contains about five standard drinks; decide in advance how many are âyoursâ and store the rest out of sight.
Watch for hidden traps
Restaurant pours, red solo cups, and trendy seltzers often contain 1.5â2.5 standard drinks each. A single âtallâ craft beer at 7 % ABV already exceeds one standard drink. If you are unsure, ask for the ABV or check the labelâmost producers now list it.
Remember: the goal is honest awareness, not shame. Whether you are pursuing moderation or total abstinence, understanding the standard drink gives you a reliable compass for safer choices today and tomorrow.