BAC Calculator
Forensic Widmark Physiology Engine
BAC & Sobriety Calculator
Estimate blood alcohol concentration and sober-up timelines based on gastric absorption rates, elapsed time, and absolute drink volume accumulation.
Scenarios:
Physiological Baseline
Drinking Session Variables
hours
Quick Add Beverages
Drinks Consumed
% ABV
×
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
0.016%
US Limit (0.08%): Safe to Drive
EU Limit (0.05%): Safe to Drive
Time to Sobriety (0.00%)
1h 5m
Remaining metabolic clearance countdown
Peak Intoxication (BAC)
0.046%
Estimated peak BAC before metabolism
Total absolute pure ethanol consumed: 28 grams.
Behavioral & Physiological Symptoms
Normal appearance, no obvious impairment.
Estimated Sobriety Clearance Timeline
Peak: 0.046%
Sober: 3h 5m
Physiological Intoxication Stages Reference Table
| BAC Range (%) | Stage | Cognitive/Physical Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| 0.01% - 0.03% | Subclinical | Subtle changes, standard appearance on tests. |
| 0.03% - 0.06% | Euphoria | Mild excitability, decreased inhibitions, talkativeness. |
| 0.06% - 0.10% | Excitement | Slowed reflexes, balance impairment. Impaired tracking. |
| 0.10% - 0.20% | Confusion | Slurred speech, staggering, disorientation, high risk. |
| 0.20% - 0.30% | Stupor | Inability to stand, vomiting, blackouts. |
| > 0.30% | Coma / Fatal | Respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, fatal risk. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does eating food before drinking affect BAC?▾
Consuming a meal (especially one containing proteins and fats) before drinking delays gastric emptying. This keeps the alcohol in the stomach longer, where it absorbs much slower compared to the small intestine. This delayed absorption rate gives the liver's alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes more time to process the alcohol, reducing the peak BAC by 15% to 30%.
Can you speed up alcohol metabolism or sobriety?▾
No. The liver metabolizes alcohol at a constant linear rate (roughly 0.015% BAC per hour). Taking a cold shower, drinking black coffee, or exercising does not accelerate this rate because it is limited by the saturation of liver enzymes. Time is the only factor that will lower your BAC.
Why do males and females absorb alcohol differently?▾
Females generally have a higher body fat percentage and lower total body water percentage than males of the same weight. Because ethanol is highly water-soluble but does not dissolve in fat, the alcohol has less body water volume to dilute into in females, resulting in a higher BAC for equivalent alcohol intake.