Short answer
Peak BAC after 1 to 5 standard drinks ranges from about 0.02% (200 lb man, 1 drink) to 0.23% (120 lb woman, 5 drinks) with no time elapsed. A 160 lb man reaches about 0.085% after 3 drinks and a 160 lb woman about 0.105%.
1. How to read the chart
Each value is the highest estimated BAC from the Widmark formula with no elimination, assuming 14 g of alcohol per standard drink. Time passing lowers the real figure; faster drinking, food and individual differences change it.
2. Men (r = 0.68)
| Weight | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 0.038% | 0.076% | 0.113% | 0.151% | 0.189% |
| 140 lb | 0.032% | 0.065% | 0.097% | 0.130% | 0.162% |
| 160 lb | 0.028% | 0.057% | 0.085% | 0.113% | 0.142% |
| 180 lb | 0.025% | 0.050% | 0.076% | 0.101% | 0.126% |
| 200 lb | 0.023% | 0.045% | 0.068% | 0.091% | 0.113% |
3. Women (r = 0.55)
| Weight | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb | 0.047% | 0.094% | 0.140% | 0.187% | 0.234% |
| 140 lb | 0.040% | 0.080% | 0.120% | 0.160% | 0.200% |
| 160 lb | 0.035% | 0.070% | 0.105% | 0.140% | 0.175% |
| 180 lb | 0.031% | 0.062% | 0.094% | 0.125% | 0.156% |
| 200 lb | 0.028% | 0.056% | 0.084% | 0.112% | 0.140% |
4. Key points
- At the same weight women reach a higher BAC from the same drinks.
- Larger or stronger drinks count as more than one standard drink.
- The US driving limit is 0.08% (0.05% in Utah), but impairment starts below it.
Enter your own details in the BAC Calculator. See how many drinks reach 0.08% and how long BAC takes to fall.
5. Frequently asked questions
What is a BAC chart?expand_more
A table of estimated blood alcohol concentration by body weight, sex and number of drinks.
How accurate is a BAC chart?expand_more
It is a population-average estimate. Food, speed of drinking, medications and metabolism change real BAC.
Why is BAC higher for women?expand_more
The Widmark factor is 0.55 for women against 0.68 for men, reflecting a lower average share of body water.
Can I use a chart to decide if I can drive?expand_more
No. Impairment begins below the legal limit. Use a sober ride.
6. Sources
- menu_bookNIAAA: What is a standard drink?
- menu_bookNHTSA: Drunk Driving