BAC Estimator & Impairment Check
Curious about how alcohol affects your body and driving skills? Use this educational tool to see how drinks, time, and weight influence your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
Educational Estimate Only: This calculator provides rough estimates based on averages. Real-world BAC depends on metabolism, food intake, medication, and genetics. Never use this tool to determine if you are safe to drive.
Enter Your Details
1 drink = 12oz beer, 5oz wine, or 1.5oz shot
Adjust in 15-minute increments
Enter your details to see your estimated BAC and impairment level.
Learn how alcohol affects your driving ability before you get behind the wheel.
Myth
"Coffee helps you sober up."
False. Only time lowers your BAC. Coffee might make you feel awake, but you are still impaired.
Myth
"I can drive if I feel okay."
False. Impairment starts long before you 'feel' drunk. Your reaction time slows down at just 0.02% BAC.
Myth
"Eating absorbs alcohol."
False. Food only slows absorption; it doesn't stop it. The alcohol still enters your bloodstream.
This calculator relies on the Widmark Formula using average metabolic rates. It does not account for individual tolerance, recent food consumption in detail, or medication interactions. The results are rough estimates for educational safety purposes only.
Understanding BAC and Driving
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is the metric used to measure the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. In all 50 states, the legal limit for drivers 21 and over is 0.08%.
Zero Tolerance for Drivers Under 21
If you are under 21, zero tolerance laws apply. This means driving with any detectable amount of alcohol (often 0.01% or 0.02%) is illegal and can result in immediate license suspension.
Why Estimates Aren't Exact
This calculator uses the Widmark Formula, a standard scientific method for estimating alcohol levels. However, your actual BAC depends on:
- Metabolism: How fast your liver processes alcohol.
- Food: Eating before drinking slows absorption but doesn't lower the total amount.
- Genetics & Medications: Can drastically change how you react to alcohol.
"The only thing that sobers you up is time. Coffee, cold showers, and exercise do not lower your BAC."
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