How many calories are in 100 proof alcohol?

November 2, 2025 •

3 min read

One gram of pure alcohol contains seven calories, making it a calorie-dense macronutrient. To determine how many calories are in 100 proof alcohol, you first need to understand that 100 proof means the liquid is 50% alcohol by volume.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the calorie content of 100 proof alcohol per standard serving and per ounce. It details the simple formula for calculating calories based on proof and provides a comparative look at different liquor types. You'll also find practical tips for managing calorie intake when consuming spirits.

Key Points

Standard Serving Calories: A 1.5-ounce shot of 100 proof alcohol contains approximately 124 calories.
Proof vs. ABV: 100 proof is equivalent to 50% Alcohol By Volume (ABV).
Primary Calorie Source: All calories in unflavored distilled spirits come from the alcohol itself, which contains 7 calories per gram.
Mixers Increase Calories: Sugary mixers like sodas and juices add significant extra calories to a drink.
Calculation Formula: To estimate calories, divide the proof by 2, then multiply by 7 calories per gram of alcohol.
Impact on Weight: The calorie density of alcohol, plus its effect as an appetite stimulant, can contribute to weight gain.

Calculating the Calories in 100 Proof Alcohol

When it comes to distilled spirits, the primary source of calories is the alcohol itself. Unlike carbohydrates or protein, which provide 4 calories per gram, alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. For 100 proof alcohol, the calorie count is directly related to its 50% alcohol by volume (ABV) content. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 100 proof spirits contains approximately 124 calories. This applies to clear liquors like vodka, as well as aged spirits like whiskey and rum, assuming no added sugars or flavors are present.

How to Calculate Calories by Proof

To figure out the calorie content of a distilled spirit, you can use a simple formula based on its proof. First, divide the proof number by two to get the ABV percentage. For 100 proof, this is 50%. Next, multiply the fluid ounces of your serving by the grams of alcohol per fluid ounce. Since one fluid ounce of 100 proof spirit (50% ABV) contains approximately 11.7 grams of alcohol, you can easily find the total grams of alcohol. Finally, multiply the grams of alcohol by seven to find the total calories from alcohol.

Step 1: Determine the ABV. Divide the proof by 2 (e.g., 100 proof / 2 = 50% ABV).
Step 2: Find the grams of alcohol. Multiply the fluid ounces by the grams of alcohol per fluid ounce (e.g., 1.5 oz x 11.7 g/oz ≈ 17.6 g).
Step 3: Calculate the calories. Multiply the grams of alcohol by 7 (e.g., 17.6 g x 7 ≈ 123.2 calories).

Comparison Table: Calories in Common 100 Proof Spirits


Spirit Type	Proof	ABV	Calories per 1.5 oz shot	Key Differentiators
Vodka	100	50%	~124	Neutral taste, typically no carbs or sugars.
Whiskey	100	50%	~124	Aged in wooden barrels, adds complex flavor but not significant calories.
Rum (Unflavored)	100	50%	~124	Fermented from sugarcane, clear until aged; unflavored has few additives.
Gin	100	50%	~124	Flavored with botanicals, primarily juniper; zero sugar in unflavored.
Flavored Rum	100	50%	~122	Spices and added sweeteners increase calorie content slightly.

Factors Affecting the Total Calorie Count

While the alcohol content is the primary driver of calories in distilled spirits, several factors can influence the final count in a drink. The inclusion of mixers is the most significant addition to the calorie load. For example, a simple shot of 100 proof vodka is relatively low in calories compared to a cocktail made with high-sugar mixers. Sodas, juices, and syrupy liqueurs can quickly turn a low-calorie base into a high-calorie beverage. Choosing low-calorie or zero-calorie mixers, such as club soda, diet soda, or a splash of lime juice, is an easy way to manage this. The type of alcohol also matters, as some flavored spirits contain added sugars. For example, a flavored 100 proof rum may have slightly more calories than its unflavored counterpart. Finally, the serving size is crucial. While a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 100 proof liquor has around 124 calories, a larger pour will increase this number proportionally.

Strategies for Reducing Your Calorie Intake from Alcohol

For those watching their caloric intake, managing alcohol consumption involves making mindful choices. Instead of high-sugar mixed drinks, opt for spirits with zero-calorie mixers. A vodka soda with a lime wedge is a classic example of a simple, lower-calorie cocktail. Another strategy is to alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, such as water. This helps with hydration and reduces the overall number of calories consumed from alcohol throughout an evening. If drinking wine, be aware that while generally lower in proof than spirits, sweet wines can contain a significant amount of sugar-based calories. Moderation is key, as alcohol can also be an appetite stimulant, potentially leading to additional, higher-calorie food consumption. Tracking your intake and being aware of the calories per serving can help maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Understanding how many calories are in 100 proof alcohol begins with knowing that it has 50% ABV and contains approximately 7 calories per gram of pure alcohol. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of most 100 proof spirits, like vodka or whiskey, contains around 124 calories. The total calorie count of your drink can be significantly increased by high-sugar mixers and larger serving sizes. By opting for zero-calorie mixers, practicing moderation, and being mindful of serving sizes, you can better manage your caloric intake while still enjoying your favorite distilled spirits.

Outbound Link

For a deeper dive into the relationship between alcohol consumption and weight management, explore resources from authoritative health organizations like the National Institutes of Health. Learn more about alcohol's impact on weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

To calculate the calories, first divide the proof by 2 to get the ABV percentage. Then, determine the volume of pure alcohol by multiplying the ABV percentage by the serving size. Finally, multiply the grams of pure alcohol (using 7 calories per gram) to get the total calories from alcohol.

Yes, for unflavored distilled spirits like vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey, the calorie count for 100 proof is virtually the same because the calories come solely from the alcohol content. However, flavored varieties might contain added sugars, slightly increasing the calorie count.

No, unflavored, distilled spirits like 100 proof alcohol contain no carbohydrates, fat, or protein. The only macronutrient contributing to the calorie count is the alcohol itself.

Per ounce, 100 proof liquor is more calorie-dense than most beers or wines due to its higher alcohol concentration. However, a standard pour of liquor is smaller (1.5 oz) than a standard serving of beer (12 oz) or wine (5 oz), so the total calories per serving might be comparable, but you consume more calories ounce-for-ounce.

The lowest calorie way is to consume it neat, on the rocks, or with zero-calorie mixers like club soda, diet soda, or a splash of lime or lemon juice. This avoids the added sugars found in many cocktails and juices.

Use low-calorie mixers such as seltzer, diet tonic water, or sugar-free flavorings. Additionally, reducing the amount of high-sugar ingredients like simple syrup and juice will lower the total calorie count significantly.

In their unflavored, distilled forms, there is no significant difference in the number of calories. The 100 proof indication means they both have 50% alcohol by volume, and the calories are solely from the alcohol.