Table 1.
Standard Drink Definitions and Drink Equivalents in the United States
| Standard Drink Definitionsa | Standard Drink Equivalents |
|---|---|
| Beer or cooler (12 oz, approximately 5% alcohol) | 12 oz = 1 drink |
| 40 oz = 3.3 drinks | |
| Malt liquor or beer (8-9 oz, approximately 7% alcohol) | 12 oz = 1.5 drinks |
| 40 oz = 4.5 drinks | |
| Wine (5 oz, approximately 12% alcohol) | 1 bottle (750 mL or 25 oz) = 5 drinks |
| Hard liquor or spirits (1.5 oz, approximately 40% alcohol) | 1 pint (16 oz) = 11 drinks |
| 1 fifth (25 oz) = 17 drinks | |
| 1 handle (1.75 L or 59 oz) = 39 drinks |
a
A standard drink is any drink that contains approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol (approximately 0.6 fl oz or 1.2 tbsp).
Adapted from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism at http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Practitioner/PocketGuide/pocket_guide2.htm.