How many units are in a glass of wine?
2.3units
That is a medium 175ml glass at 13% ABV. One UK unit is 10ml of pure alcohol. The weekly guideline of 14 units works out at about 6 of these across a whole week.
Pubs and restaurants in England and Wales must offer 125ml and 175ml measures, and most also pour a 250ml large glass. The size makes more difference than the wine does.
Units by size and strength
| Drink | Size | Strength | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small glass (125ml) of 12% | 125ml | 12% | 1.5 |
| Small glass (125ml) of 13% | 125ml | 13% | 1.6 |
| Medium glass (175ml) of 13%Most common | 175ml | 13% | 2.3 |
| Medium glass (175ml) of 14% | 175ml | 14% | 2.5 |
| Large glass (250ml) of 13% | 250ml | 13% | 3.3 |
| Large glass (250ml) of 14.5% | 250ml | 14.5% | 3.6 |
A large 250ml glass of strong red is close to a third of the weekly guideline in one pour. Two of those on a Friday is most of the week gone.
How this is worked out
units = volume (ml) × ABV (%) ÷ 1000
For a medium 175ml glass at 13% ABV: 175 × 13 ÷ 1000 = 2.3 units.
Try the unit calculatorThe 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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