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Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Calculator

A Blood Alcohol Content Calculator can come in handy as a precautionary measure. Know how.

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Home / Health Insurance / Calculators / Articles / Blood Alcohol Content Calculator

Most people have seen the police using breathalysers on suspected drunk drivers. They are asked to blow into a machine and the estimated blood alcohol level is generated. The punishment for drunk driving could range from a fine to even imprisonment for up to 4 years. Drinking alcohol impairs concentration and can result in accidents and severe impairment. Therefore, people are advised not to drive or perform any task requiring focus after drinking. A Blood Alcohol Content Calculator can come in handy in this regard; read ahead for details.

How to use a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Calculator?
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Here’s how you can use a Blood Alcohol Content Calculator. 

1. Visit a credible website or download a reliable app featuring a Blood Alcohol Content Calculator. 

2. Enter the required details such as the following. 

3. Hit calculate.

How is the amount of alcohol calculated?
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To calculate Blood Alcohol Content, one must first determine how much alcohol has been consumed. Alcoholic preparations are varied in type. Each of these types has different concentrations of alcohol. 

When you purchase a drink, typically, it comes with a value called Alcohol by Volume, which is a measure of how much alcohol is present in a given volume of an alcoholic beverage. By knowing the ABV and the number of drinks you've had, one can determine the amount of alcohol consumed.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is calculated by the Widmark Formula: BAC = 100 x {Alcohol mass consumed in grams ÷ (Body weight in grams x r)}

Where r is a gender constant. It has the following values:

r in males = 0.55

r in females = 0.68 

BAC is expressed as a percentage. 

It is important to note at this juncture, that most of the time, alcohol is consumed over time. People generally consume a few drinks over a period of time, and not all at once. This has to be accounted for because as time goes by, your body metabolises alcohol. This can be calculated as follows:

BAC after a period of drinking = BAC - (elapsed time in hours x 0.015)

How does blood alcohol content affect behaviour? 
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With different blood concentrations of alcohol varying effects can be seen in terms of behaviour. Here’s a table highlighting the effects alcohol content might have on the person’s behaviour. 

BAC (in %)

Expected Effects on People

0.02

Relaxation, slight blurring of vision, decreased capacity to give undivided attention.

0.05

All of the above, + loss of fine motor control leading to difficulty in focusing eyesight on a particular point, impaired judgement, decreased alertness, reduced coordination, inability to concentrate fully.

0.08

All of the above + poor muscle coordination, slow speech, decreased self-control, drop in reasoning abilities, impaired memory.

0.10

All of the above + poor coordination, slurring of speech, impaired thinking, nausea.

0.15

All of the above + potential vomiting, major loss of balance, loss of consciousness, blackouts.

The body takes time to fully metabolise alcohol. Therefore, it takes time to fully regain sobriety. The higher the BAC, the higher the unwanted effects of alcohol and the longer it takes for one to sober up. Spacing your drinks appropriately helps your body maintain a lower level of BAC, which means that you can sober up faster. Please remember that drinking alcohol is injurious to health. If you are consuming alcohol, remember to do it safely and responsibly. Do not drive, or operate heavy machinery if you've consumed any drinks. Make sure you are in a safe environment. Alcohol also causes dehydration, so remember to drink plenty of water. 

Health risks of consuming alcohol
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There are various short-term and long-term risks associated with alcohol consumption such as the following. 

Frequently Asked Questions
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Here’s a list of FAQs related to Blood Alcohol Content Calculator.

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How long after binge drinking can I drive?

Binge drinking is defined as the consumption of 5 or more drinks by men and 4 or more drinks by women in a span of 2 hours. The resulting blood alcohol content depends on several factors such as the type of alcohol consumed. Overall, drinking after driving is not recommended. It can affect not only you the driver but also your passengers and others on the road. Thus, it is important to drink responsibly. 

Is alcohol consumption good for health?

Some studies have shown that consumption of low to moderate amounts of alcohol could be beneficial for otherwise fit and healthy persons. It may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Red wine also has antioxidants and is said to play a role in regulating blood sugar levels. However, it is not recommended to start drinking for health benefits. Please speak to your doctor if you have specific questions about any particular alcoholic drink and its impact on your body considering your medical history and health profile. 

Does coffee help in reducing blood alcohol levels fast?

There are myths that drinking coffee or taking a cold shower can help you sober up fast. However, these do not alter the blood alcohol content. 

Are rules regarding drinking and driving different across countries?

Yes, specific rules regarding drinking and driving can be different across countries. The penalties can vary depending upon the level of alcohol consumption or the inconvenience caused because of it. However, it is recommended to avoid drinking and driving no matter which country you are in. 

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.