How many units are in a shot of whisky?
1units
That is a 25ml single measure at 40% ABV. One UK unit is 10ml of pure alcohol. The weekly guideline of 14 units works out at about 14 of these across a whole week.
Most blended and single malt whisky is bottled at 40%, though cask strength bottlings run far higher. A 35ml measure, common in England, is 40% more alcohol than a 25ml one.
Units by size and strength
| Drink | Size | Strength | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single 25ml of 40%Most common | 25ml | 40% | 1 |
| Single 35ml of 40% | 35ml | 40% | 1.4 |
| Double 50ml of 40% | 50ml | 40% | 2 |
| Single 25ml of 46% | 25ml | 46% | 1.1 |
| Single 25ml of cask strength (58%) | 25ml | 58% | 1.4 |
| Bottle (700ml) of 40% | 700ml | 40% | 28 |
How this is worked out
units = volume (ml) × ABV (%) ÷ 1000
For a 25ml single measure at 40% ABV: 25 × 40 ÷ 1000 = 1 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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