1. What is the BAC Formula?

The BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) formula estimates the percentage of alcohol in a person's bloodstream based on the amount consumed, body weight, time since drinking, and individual metabolic factors. It's used to assess impairment levels for legal and safety purposes.

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 (0.68 for men, 0.55 for women)
• \( \beta \) — Elimination rate (typically 0.015%/hour)
• \( t \) — Time since drinking in hours

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

3. Importance of BAC Calculation

Details: BAC estimation helps individuals make informed decisions about driving and alcohol consumption. Legal limits vary by jurisdiction (typically 0.05%-0.08% for driving).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter alcohol consumed in grams (1 standard drink ≈ 14g), body weight in grams (1 lb ≈ 453.6g), and time since first drink. Default values are provided for distribution ratio and elimination rate.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What's considered legally drunk?
A: In most US states, 0.08% is the legal limit for driving. Some states have lower limits for commercial drivers or underage drinkers.

Q3: How long does alcohol stay in your system?
A: The body typically eliminates alcohol at 0.015% per hour (range: 0.01-0.025%/hour).

Q4: Why is the ratio different for women?
A: Women generally have higher body fat percentage and lower water content, leading to higher BAC for the same alcohol intake.

Q5: Can I use this for legal purposes?
A: No. This is for educational purposes only. Legal BAC must be measured by approved breathalyzer or blood test.