Alcohol Cost Calculator
Track the financial and health cost of weekly drinking.
About this tool
A standard drink in the US is 14 g of pure alcohol — roughly one 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, or 1.5 oz spirits. UK units are smaller (8 g); 1 standard US drink ≈ 1.75 UK units.
Current UK Chief Medical Officers' guidance recommends a maximum of 14 UK units per week (about 8 US standard drinks), with several alcohol-free days. There is no fully 'safe' level — risk rises smoothly with intake.
Frequently asked questions
Does any amount of alcohol carry risk?
Yes — even light drinking modestly raises the risk of several cancers (notably breast). The evidence for a 'healthy' level of drinking has weakened in recent years.
What about red wine and heart health?
Older studies suggesting heart benefits from moderate drinking are now thought to be confounded. The current consensus is that less alcohol is better for cardiovascular risk overall.
How do I cut back?
Two reliable steps: schedule alcohol-free days each week, and track real intake. Most people drink 30–40% more than they think.
⚕️ Educational only — not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In an emergency call your local emergency services.