Alcohol-3

How many units are in a can of cider?

2units

That is a 440ml can at 4.5% ABV. One UK unit is 10ml of pure alcohol. The weekly guideline of 14 units works out at about 7 of these across a whole week.

Cider is often sold in 440ml and 500ml cans, and in 500ml or 568ml bottles. Check the strength on the tin, because fruit ciders and traditional ciders differ widely.

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Units by size and strength

DrinkSizeStrengthUnits
Can (330ml) of 4.5%330ml4.5%1.5
Can (440ml) of 4.5%Most common440ml4.5%2
Can (440ml) of 5.3%440ml5.3%2.3
Can (500ml) of 4.5%500ml4.5%2.3
Bottle (500ml) of 5.3%500ml5.3%2.6

How this is worked out

units = volume (ml) × ABV (%) ÷ 1000

For a 440ml can at 4.5% ABV: 440 × 4.5 ÷ 1000 = 2 units.

Try the unit calculator

The weekly guideline

The UK Chief Medical Officers advise no more than 14units a week for men and women alike, spread over three days or more, with several drink-free days. Drinking a week's worth in one session carries its own risks, separate from the weekly total.

If you drink heavily every day, stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Speak to your GP before cutting down sharply.

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