Alcohol Calculator

Based on the Widmark model — the forensic pharmacokinetic standard. The shaded band shows the range between slow and fast ethanol eliminators. Individual variation is real and significant.

⚠ Never drink and drive. This tool models population averages — your actual BAC may be higher or lower. Do not use this to decide whether you are safe to drive. When in doubt, don't drive.

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Drink 1

13.0g ethanol / 1.30 units

Type

Volume

Qty

ABV: 5.0%

0.5%70%

Time: Start (t=0)

Start+12h

Total: 13.0g ethanol — 1.3 Dutch units (1 unit = 10g)

SHOW12h

0–0.2‰ Sober0.2–0.5‰ Mild effects0.5–1‰ Impaired1–1.5‰ Clearly drunk1.5–2‰ Severely impaired2–3‰ Risk of unconsciousness

Why water doesn't speed sobering up: Ethanol elimination is enzyme-limited — alcohol dehydrogenase works at maximum capacity at typical BAC levels (zero-order / Michaelis-Menten saturation). Water hydrates you and reduces nausea but does not increase elimination rate. Only time sobers you up. This is the same MM kinetics shown in the PK calculator.

Widmark vs simulated peak: The Widmark value above assumes instantaneous absorption — the theoretical maximum used by forensic labs and courts. The simulated peak is lower because absorption and elimination happen simultaneously in reality. Your actual peak will be somewhere between the two depending on how quickly you drink.

Concerned about alcohol use? Jellinek.nl and Trimbos.nl offer free, confidential support.