How to Calculate Alcohol Proof

Learn how to calculate alcohol proof.

According to the National Institute for Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, the average alcoholic beverage contains 14 grams of alcohol. To find the proof of a drink, measure the alcohol content.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator

Instructions

1. Determine the type of alcohol that you would like to calculate. Drinks vary in alcohol proof.

2. Locate the alcohol volume on the container label. The label will usually indicate the number and the words "alcohol by volume." For example, look for such phrases as "40% alcohol content by volume" or "40% alcohol by volume."

3. Multiply the percentage of alcohol by two. For example, a drink that has a 40 percent volume of alcohol is 80 proof.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure how much alcohol your drink contains, ask your server what types of alcohol were used, and the alcohol content in each portion of your drink. The Rethinking Drinking website offers a content calculator for mixed drinks.

References

• Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau: Conversion Tables
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: What is a Standard Drink?
• Rethinking Drinking: Cocktail Content Calculator