1. What is BAC?

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is a measure of the amount of alcohol present in a person's bloodstream, expressed as a percentage. It is used to determine legal intoxication levels and assess impairment.

2. How Does the Conversion Work?

The calculator uses the simple conversion formula:

Where:

• \( mg/dL \) — Milligrams of alcohol per deciliter of blood
• \( BAC \) — Blood Alcohol Concentration as a percentage

Explanation: Since 1% BAC equals 1000 mg/dL, we simply divide the mg/dL value by 1000 to get the BAC percentage.

3. Understanding the Results

Typical BAC Levels:

• 0.02-0.03%: Mild euphoria, slight relaxation
• 0.05-0.06%: Reduced inhibitions, exaggerated behavior
• 0.08%: Legal limit for driving in most US states
• 0.10%: Clear deterioration of coordination
• 0.20%: Potential blackouts, severe impairment
• 0.40%: Potentially fatal

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Enter the alcohol concentration in mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) to get the equivalent BAC percentage. This is a direct mathematical conversion and doesn't account for individual metabolic factors.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between mg/dL and % BAC?
A: mg/dL is a weight/volume measurement (milligrams of alcohol per deciliter of blood), while % BAC is a percentage (grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood). They are directly convertible.

Q2: Is this calculator accurate for legal purposes?
A: While the conversion is mathematically accurate, actual BAC depends on many factors including metabolism, food intake, and individual tolerance. Always consult with professionals for legal matters.

Q3: How does this relate to breathalyzer results?
A: Breathalyzers estimate BAC based on breath alcohol content, which correlates with blood alcohol but may differ slightly due to physiological factors.

Q4: Why is 0.08% the legal limit in many places?
A: Research shows most people experience significant impairment in driving ability at this level, though effects begin at lower concentrations.

Q5: How long does it take for BAC to decrease?
A: On average, BAC decreases by about 0.015% per hour, but this varies by individual metabolism, liver function, and other factors.