1. What is Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)?

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is a measure of the amount of alcohol present in a person's bloodstream. It's expressed as a percentage of alcohol in the blood (e.g., 0.08% means 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100 mL of blood).

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 BAC based on the amount of alcohol consumed, body weight, and gender (which affects alcohol distribution).

3. Understanding BAC Levels

Details:

• 0.02-0.03%: Mild euphoria, relaxation
• 0.05-0.06%: Reduced inhibition, impaired judgment
• 0.08%: Legal limit for driving in most countries
• 0.15-0.20%: Severe impairment, risk of blackouts
• 0.30%: Potential for alcohol poisoning
• 0.40%+: Risk of coma or death

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Enter total alcohol consumed in grams (1 standard drink ≈ 14 grams)
• Use accurate body weight in kilograms
• Select correct gender for accurate calculation
• Remember this is an estimate - many factors affect actual BAC

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides a rough estimate. Actual BAC depends on metabolism, food intake, medication, and other factors.

Q2: How do I convert drinks to grams of alcohol?
A: 1 standard drink (12oz beer, 5oz wine, 1.5oz liquor) ≈ 14 grams of pure alcohol.

Q3: How long does alcohol stay in your system?
A: The body metabolizes 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 guarantee safety. The only safe BAC for driving is 0.00%.