lightbulb
Short answer
Alcohol grams = volume in mL x ABV/100 x 0.789. Multiply by 7 for alcohol calories, then add carbs x 4. A 12 oz (355 mL) 5% beer has 14.0 g of alcohol, 98 kcal from it and about 150 kcal with 13 g of carbs.
1. The formula
- 1Alcohol (g) = volume (mL) × ABV ÷ 100 × 0.789 (the density of ethanol).
- 2Alcohol calories = alcohol (g) × 7.
- 3Carb calories = carbs (g) × 4.
- 4Total = alcohol calories + carb calories.
2. Worked example
A regular beer: 12 oz = 355 mL at 5% ABV with 13 g of carbs.
- 355 × 0.05 × 0.789 = 14.0 g of alcohol (one US standard drink).
- 14.0 × 7 = 98 kcal from alcohol.
- 13 × 4 = 52 kcal from carbs.
- Total: about 150 kcal.
3. Handy conversions
- 12 oz = 355 mL, 5 oz = 148 mL, 1.5 oz = 44 mL.
- US standard drink = 14 g of pure alcohol, UK unit = 8 g.
Skip the math with the Alcohol Calories Calculator. See typical results in the per-serving chart.
4. Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for alcohol calories?expand_more
Alcohol grams = mL x ABV/100 x 0.789, times 7 kcal per gram, plus carb grams times 4.
Why is 7 kcal per gram used for alcohol?expand_more
It is the standard energy value for ethanol, between carbohydrate (4) and fat (9).
How much alcohol is in a standard drink?expand_more
14 g of pure alcohol in the US, which is about 98 kcal.
Do calculators include mixers?expand_more
Only if you enter the sugar from them. Add carb grams for juice, soda or syrup.
5. Sources
- menu_bookNIAAA: What is a standard drink?