How Many Units Are in Hard Seltzer? A Complete Guide

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

On average, a 330ml can of hard seltzer with a typical 4.6% ABV contains about 1.5 units of alcohol. However, the exact number of units are in hard seltzer varies significantly by brand, alcohol by volume (ABV), and serving size. Always check the label for specific alcohol content.

Quick Summary

The number of alcohol units in a hard seltzer is determined by its ABV and volume. This can be calculated using a simple formula, allowing consumers to accurately track their intake across different brands and serving sizes.

Key Points

Unit Calculation Varies: The number of units in a hard seltzer is not fixed and depends on its specific ABV and volume, which differ by brand and product line.
Standard Formula Exists: Units are calculated using a simple formula: (ABV% x Volume in ml) / 1000.
Average Units: A typical 330ml can of 4.6% ABV hard seltzer contains approximately 1.5 units, while a 355ml can at 5% ABV contains about 1.8 units.
Check the Label: Always check the can or bottle for the specific ABV, as stronger seltzers (up to 8%) contain significantly more units per serving.
Moderate Intake: Due to their easy-drinking nature, it is important to be mindful of consumption to avoid over-drinking, as the units can add up quickly.
Compare Sensibly: A hard seltzer can contain a similar number of units to other standard drinks, like a small glass of wine or a regular beer, despite its lighter profile.

What Defines a 'Unit' of Alcohol?

Before delving into hard seltzers, it's crucial to understand what a 'unit' of alcohol represents. Different regions use slightly different definitions, but the most common definition in many places, including the UK, is 10ml (or 8g) of pure alcohol. In the United States, a 'standard drink' is the more common measurement, equating to 14 grams of pure alcohol.

This article primarily uses the UK's 10ml unit system, as it provides a clear and universal method for calculating based on a drink's Alcohol by Volume (ABV) percentage and its total volume in millilitres. The standard drink metric is more fixed and can be less helpful for precisely calculating consumption from variable drink sizes and strengths. By focusing on the calculation, you can apply the same logic regardless of whether you're converting to units or standard drinks.

The Hard Seltzer Units Calculation Formula

The unit formula is a straightforward way to calculate the alcohol content of any beverage. You can work out how many units are in any drink by multiplying the total volume of a drink (in ml) by its ABV percentage and dividing the result by 1,000.

$$(ABV\ (\%) \times Volume\ (ml)) \div 1000 = Total\ Units$$

For example, to calculate the units in a 355ml (12 fl oz) can of a typical 5% ABV hard seltzer, the calculation would be:

$$(5 \times 355) \div 1000 = 1.775\ units$$

This shows that a standard 12oz can of hard seltzer contains just under two units of alcohol. Checking the label is essential, as the ABV can vary significantly between brands, and some cans are larger than the standard 355ml size.

Unit Breakdown for Popular Hard Seltzers

Hard seltzers come in a wide range of ABVs, with most falling between 4% and 6%, similar to many light beers. However, some brands offer stronger varieties that can contain up to 8% or even 12% ABV, which is similar to a glass of wine. It's the variation in ABV and can size that makes it vital to check the label for each specific product.

Here are some examples of unit calculations for popular brands and serving sizes:

White Claw Hard Seltzer (5% ABV, 355ml can): (5 x 355) / 1000 = 1.775 units.
Truly Hard Seltzer (5% ABV, 355ml can): (5 x 355) / 1000 = 1.775 units.
Bud Light Platinum Seltzer (8% ABV, 355ml can): (8 x 355) / 1000 = 2.84 units.
DRTY Hard Seltzer (4% ABV, 330ml can): (4 x 330) / 1000 = 1.32 units.

Factors That Influence Units

Different production methods and alcohol bases also impact the final product. While most hard seltzers use a fermented cane sugar base, some are spirit-based, like High Noon, which uses vodka. This might affect the overall taste but the unit calculation formula remains the same, as the final ABV is the determining factor.

Hard Seltzer vs. Other Alcoholic Drinks: A Unit Comparison

To put hard seltzer's unit count into perspective, it's useful to compare it to other common alcoholic beverages. This helps in making informed decisions about consumption, especially given that hard seltzers are often perceived as a lighter, less potent option.


Beverage Type	Standard Serving Size	Typical ABV	Approximate Units	Source
Hard Seltzer (Typical)	355ml (12oz) can	5%	1.8 units
Light Beer	355ml (12oz) can	4.2%	1.5 units
Regular Beer	355ml (12oz) can	5%	1.8 units
Wine (Small Glass)	125ml (5oz) glass	12%	1.5 units
Wine (Standard Glass)	175ml (6oz) glass	12%	2.1 units	-
Spirits (Single Shot)	25ml (0.8oz) shot	40%	1.0 unit

Note: A 'unit' of alcohol is a measure of pure alcohol volume, not volume of the drink itself. All figures are approximations based on typical ABVs and serving sizes.

As the table demonstrates, a single can of a standard 5% ABV hard seltzer contains a similar number of units to a small glass of wine or a single shot of spirits. The perception of hard seltzer as a 'lighter' option can be misleading if volume is not considered, as the units can accumulate quickly if consumed rapidly. For additional information on measuring alcohol intake, refer to Drinkaware's Guide to Units.

Conclusion: The Importance of Knowing Your Units

Knowing how many units are in hard seltzer is more than a simple matter of curiosity—it's a critical component of responsible drinking. While hard seltzers are often a lower-calorie and lower-sugar alternative to other alcoholic beverages, they are not inherently 'healthy' and can still have the same effects as other drinks when consumed in excess.

By understanding the easy formula to calculate units based on a drink's ABV and volume, you can keep track of your intake more accurately. This prevents the common trap of overconsumption that can occur with easy-drinking, flavored beverages. Always read the label, be mindful of serving sizes, and prioritize moderation to enjoy hard seltzers safely.

Responsible Consumption Tips

Monitor your intake: Don't rely solely on the easy-drinking nature of hard seltzers. Keep a mental count or use an app to track your units.
Interleave with water: Alternate between a hard seltzer and a glass of water to stay hydrated and slow down your alcohol consumption.
Eat before or during: Consuming food while drinking can help slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.
Stick to recommended limits: Adhere to official low-risk drinking guidelines to minimize health risks. For example, in the UK, this is no more than 14 units per week for both men and women.
Don't forget the ABV: Don't be fooled by the 'light' or low-calorie branding. The alcohol content is what matters for unit calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, hard seltzers vary in strength, with most popular brands containing between 4% and 6% ABV. However, some stronger varieties can reach up to 8% or even higher, so checking the label is essential.

To calculate the units, multiply the drink's ABV percentage by its volume in millilitres, then divide the total by 1,000. For example, a 355ml can at 5% ABV is (5 x 355) / 1000 = 1.775 units.

A standard 5% ABV hard seltzer typically has the same number of units as a standard 5% ABV beer for the same volume (e.g., a 355ml can). Some light beers and seltzers with lower ABV will have fewer units.

Knowing the units helps you track your total alcohol intake more accurately. Because hard seltzers are light and easy to drink, it's easy to consume more than intended without realizing the alcohol is accumulating.

In the United States, a standard drink is defined as containing 14 grams of pure alcohol. A standard 5% ABV, 12oz (355ml) hard seltzer is generally considered one standard drink, similar to a regular beer.

Canned cocktails often have a higher ABV and may contain more units than most hard seltzers. Hard seltzers generally stay within a 4-6% ABV range, whereas canned cocktails can have a much wider and often higher range.

Hard seltzer is often lower in calories and sugar than many other drinks, but it still contains alcohol and offers no nutritional value. It is not a 'healthy' choice, and moderation is still crucial regardless of its unit count.