1. What is BAC?

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is a measure of the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. It's expressed as a percentage of alcohol per volume of blood. In most countries, the legal limit for driving is 0.08% BAC.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Widmark formula:

Where:

• \( A \) — Alcohol consumed in grams
• \( W \) — Body weight in grams
• \( r \) — Distribution ratio (0.55 for females, 0.68 for males)
• \( \beta \) — Elimination rate (0.015%/hour average)
• \( t \) — Time since drinking in hours

Explanation: The equation accounts for alcohol distribution in body water and the body's ability to metabolize alcohol over time.

3. Importance of BAC Calculation

Details: Knowing your estimated BAC helps make informed decisions about driving and alcohol consumption. It's important for safety and legal compliance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter alcohol consumed in grams (1 standard drink ≈ 14g), your weight in grams (1 lb ≈ 453.6g), select gender, and time since drinking. All values must be valid.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides an estimate. Actual BAC can vary based on metabolism, food intake, medication, and individual differences.

Q2: What is the legal BAC limit for driving?
A: In most US states it's 0.08%, but some states have lower limits for commercial drivers or those under 21.

Q3: How long does alcohol stay in your system?
A: The body metabolizes alcohol at about 0.015% BAC per hour on average, but this can vary.

Q4: Can I sober up quickly with coffee or cold showers?
A: No. Only time can reduce your BAC. Coffee might make you feel more alert but doesn't lower BAC.

Q5: Why does gender affect BAC?
A: Women typically have less body water and different fat distribution, leading to higher BAC from the same amount of alcohol.