1. What is Blood Alcohol Concentration?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Widmark formula:

Where:

• \( \text{grams of alcohol} \) — Total alcohol consumed in grams
• \( \text{weight} \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( r \) — Widmark factor (0.68 for males, 0.55 for females)

Explanation: The formula estimates how alcohol distributes in body water based on weight and gender factors.

3. Understanding BAC Levels

Details:

• 0.02-0.03%: Mild euphoria, slight relaxation
• 0.05-0.06%: Reduced inhibitions, impaired judgment
• 0.08%: Legal limit for driving in most countries
• 0.15%: Gross motor impairment, high risk of injury
• 0.30%: Potential for unconsciousness
• 0.40%+: Risk of coma or death

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total grams of alcohol consumed (1 standard drink ≈ 14 grams), your weight in kilograms, and select your gender. The calculator provides an estimate of your BAC.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides an estimate. Actual BAC can vary based on metabolism, food intake, medication, and individual differences.

Q2: What's considered a standard drink?
A: Approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol - equivalent to 12 oz beer (5%), 5 oz wine (12%), or 1.5 oz spirits (40%).

Q3: How long does alcohol stay in your system?
A: The body metabolizes alcohol at about 0.015% BAC per hour on average.

Q4: Why is the Widmark factor different for men and women?
A: Women typically have higher body fat percentage and lower water content, leading to higher BAC from the same amount of alcohol.

Q5: Can I use this to determine if I'm safe to drive?
A: No calculator can account for all individual factors. If you've been drinking, don't drive.