1. What is Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)?

Definition: BAC measures the percentage of alcohol in a person's bloodstream, used to determine legal intoxication levels.

Purpose: This calculator estimates BAC based on alcohol consumption, body weight, time since drinking, and individual metabolism factors.

2. How Does the BAC Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Widmark's formula:

Where:

• \( BAC \) — Blood Alcohol Content (%)
• \( A \) — Alcohol consumed (grams)
• \( W \) — Body weight (grams)
• \( r \) — Distribution ratio (0.68 for men, 0.55 for women)
• \( \beta \) — Elimination rate (typically 0.015%/hour)
• \( t \) — Time since drinking began (hours)

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

3. Importance of BAC Calculation

Details: Understanding BAC helps assess impairment levels, make responsible drinking decisions, and stay within legal limits for driving.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter alcohol in grams (1 standard drink ≈ 14g), body weight in grams, distribution ratio (default 0.68 for men), elimination rate (default 0.015), and time since drinking.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's considered a "safe" BAC level?
A: Most countries set legal driving limits at 0.05-0.08%, but impairment begins at lower levels.

Q2: Why different distribution ratios for men/women?
A: Women typically have higher body fat percentage and less water content, leading to higher BAC from the same alcohol amount.

Q3: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides estimates. Actual BAC varies based on food intake, medication, health status, and individual metabolism.

Q4: How long does alcohol stay in your system?
A: The body metabolizes alcohol at about 0.015% BAC per hour on average ("one drink per hour" rule).

Q5: Can I speed up alcohol elimination?
A: No. Only time reduces BAC. Coffee, showers, or exercise don't accelerate metabolism.