How the BAC and hangover estimates work

A serving is not always one drink

A US standard drink contains 14 grams of pure alcohol. Serving size and ABV both matter: a large strong beer can count as more than one.

We convert ounces and ABV to grams, then divide by 14. The entry count and standard-drink count intentionally differ.

What the BAC model assumes

We use a simplified Widmark-style distribution calculation, uniform drinking across each entry’s time to finish, a fixed 30-minute absorption window per sip, and a fixed elimination rate of 0.015 percentage points per hour. These are model assumptions, not your personal rates.

Body weight, the selected distribution factor, alcohol quantity, start time and time to finish drive the curve. Suggested finish times use volume and alcohol content as convenience defaults, not scientifically established drinking rates. A small shot defaults to consumption at once; it still takes time to absorb. Override the duration for a chugged beer or a slowly sipped spirit. Age is recorded for context only. We do not apply numerical food, hydration or electrolyte modifiers to BAC.

The model uses one-minute intervals and searches up to 48 hours beyond the session or final absorption. If it never reaches zero, it reports “Beyond modeled window.” This is not a countdown to safe driving.

A precise-looking number is still an estimate. Real absorption and metabolism vary. Food can affect absorption, but this model does not claim to quantify that effect for you.

The score is a heuristic

The 0–100 score is an unvalidated combination of alcohol load, irritation proxies and lifestyle inputs. It is not the percentage chance of a hangover, an inflammation measurement, or a diagnosis.

Quick mode substitutes explicit assumptions. Advanced mode exposes more inputs, but cannot turn the model into a clinical instrument. See “How this estimate works” with your result for the values actually used.

Tomorrow is not a supplement problem

Hangovers involve several effects of alcohol, including disrupted sleep and stomach irritation. No supplement or recipe is a proven cure. Rest, food and water as tolerated may help with comfort, but do not reverse intoxication.

Added electrolytes have not been established as a way to reduce hangover severity. Pain relievers also need caution: alcohol with acetaminophen can harm the liver; aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate the stomach. Ask a pharmacist or clinician about your circumstances.

When to get help

If someone cannot be awakened, is breathing slowly or irregularly, or has a seizure, call emergency services. Do not wait for the calculator or assume they can sleep it off.

Show me the drink math

Grams of alcohol ≈ US fl oz × 29.5735 × (ABV ÷ 100) × 0.789. Divide by 14 to get US standard drinks. For example, a 16 oz beer at 8% ABV contains about 29.9 g of alcohol, or 2.1 standard drinks.

That conversion describes alcohol quantity. It does not predict a personal response or recommended intake. The BAC curve adds assumptions about distribution, timing, absorption and elimination.

About this project and its evidence

Drunk Maxxing is an independent developer-built project for adults who enjoy raves, conventions and house parties. The Concoction is a personal story; the numerical score is a product heuristic. Neither has been clinically validated.

Linked NIAAA material supports the general alcohol information. It does not validate or endorse this calculator’s coefficients, score weights or products. Affiliate commissions may support the site; buying products does not improve an estimate.