1. What is Blood Alcohol Content?

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 per volume of blood and is used to determine legal intoxication levels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Widmark formula:

Where:

• \( A \) — Total grams of alcohol consumed
• \( W \) — Body weight in grams
• \( r \) — Distribution ratio (0.68 for men, 0.55 for women)
• \( \beta \) — Alcohol elimination rate (0.015%/hour)
• \( t \) — Time since first drink in hours

Explanation: The equation accounts for alcohol absorption, distribution in body water, and metabolic elimination over time.

3. Understanding BAC Levels

Effects at different BAC levels:

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• One standard drink = 14g pure alcohol (12oz beer, 5oz wine, 1.5oz spirits)
• Food intake, medication, and individual metabolism can affect actual BAC
• This is only an estimate - actual BAC may vary

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides a reasonable estimate but individual factors like metabolism, food intake, and health conditions can affect actual BAC.

Q2: How long does alcohol stay in your system?
A: Alcohol is metabolized at about 0.015% BAC per hour on average, but this varies by individual.

Q3: Can I sober up quickly with coffee or cold showers?
A: No. Only time can lower your BAC. Coffee might make you feel more alert but doesn't reduce alcohol in your system.

Q4: Why does gender affect BAC?
A: Women typically have higher body fat percentage and less body water, leading to higher BAC from the same amount of alcohol.

Q5: Is it safe to drive if my BAC is below the legal limit?
A: Impairment begins well below 0.08%. It's safest to not drive after drinking any alcohol.