About BAC Calculator
Please note, even though doctors and phlebologists with degrees developed the algorithm for this BAC calculator, it is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a legal or medical reference.
The calculation is an approximation and should not be relied upon to determine if it is safe or legal to operate a vehicle or perform other activities that require a certain level of sobriety. Individual factors such as body composition, food consumption, and medication usage can significantly affect blood alcohol concentration.
It is recommended to use a certified alcohol breathalyzer or other reliable means of testing BAC for accurate results. We strongly advise against driving under the influence of alcohol and recommend using taxi, Uber, or designated driver service instead.
How BAC Calculator works
BAC is a measure of the amount of alcohol present in the bloodstream. When alcohol is consumed, it is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine, and then distributed throughout the body, including the brain. The liver metabolizes alcohol at a fairly constant rate, but the body can only process a limited amount of alcohol per hour.
The legal BAC limit for driving varies by country and state, but in many places it is 0.08%, meaning that a person with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is considered legally intoxicated and prohibited from operating a vehicle. However, it’s important to note that even lower levels of alcohol can impair a person’s driving ability, judgment, and reaction time.
Factors that can affect BAC levels include the amount and type of alcohol consumed, the person’s weight and gender, and how quickly the alcohol was consumed. Food consumption can also affect BAC levels, as eating food before or during drinking can slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
As a phlebotomist with a passion for road safety who has performed over 1000 alcohol blood tests, I strongly advise against drinking and driving, and encourage everyone to make responsible choices when it comes to alcohol consumption and transportation.
How Different BAC % Affects Your Driving
| BAC Level | Effects on Behavior | Potential Impact on Driving |
|---|---|---|
| 0.02-0.03% | Mild euphoria and relaxation | Slight reduction in coordination and ability to track moving objects |
| 0.04-0.06% | Feeling of well-being, relaxation, lower inhibitions | Reduced coordination, difficulty steering, reduced response time to emergency driving situations |
| 0.07-0.09% | Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time | Significant reduction in reaction time and control, difficulty detecting danger, impaired judgment, poor coordination |
| 0.10-0.125% | Significant impairment of coordination, speech, balance, judgment | Reduced ability to maintain lane position and brake appropriately, increased risk of crash involvement |
| 0.13-0.15% | Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control, blurred vision and major loss of balance | Far less coordination and ability to control vehicle, potential for crashes resulting in serious injury or death |
| 0.16-0.19% | Dysphoria (unpleasant mood), sickness, need for assistance in walking and standing | Potential for blackouts, loss of consciousness, and life-threatening alcohol poisoning |
| 0.20%+ | Loss of consciousness, risk of death | Significant risk of life-threatening alcohol poisoning |
