Standard Drink Equivalence
Understanding drink equivalence and knowing the definition of a standard drink is an important aspect of moderate and responsible alcohol consumption.
What is a Standard Drink?
The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans is the basis of federal nutrition policy and programs. The Dietary Guidelines research defines moderate drinking as up to two standard drinks per day for males and one per day for females; one standard drink contains 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of ethanol, the pure alcohol that is in ALL beverage alcohol.
Each of these standard drink examples – or “standard drink equivalents” – contains the same amount of alcohol:
Beer
12 oz. 5% ABV
Wine
5 oz. 12% ABV
Distilled Spirits (80 Proof)
1.5 oz. 40% ABV
Ready-to-Drink Beverages
12 oz. 5% ABV
That’s why, when it comes to alcohol consumption, there is no beverage of moderation, only the practice of moderation.
Standard Drink Calculator
The Dietary Guidelines longstanding advice has been that if alcohol is consumed, it should be done in moderation: “Consume less alcohol for better health.” But with more drink choices than ever, you can’t assume that one can or glass equals one standard drink!
Knowing how to calculate the number of drinks per container is an important part of responsible drinking.
Expert Explanation: Standard Drinks and the Dietary Guidelines
Registered dietician Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RDN, LD explains how alcohol can be a part of a balanced lifestyle for most adults, when consumed responsibly and in moderation.
Standard Drinks in the U.S.
In the U.S., the concept of standard drinks is used by federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Additional federal agencies, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Department of Defense (DoD), as well as state/local health and traffic safety officials (e.g., most state-issued driver’s manuals include this information), also include information on standard drinks as part of their alcohol education materials.
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