Is 375 ml of beer a standard drink?

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

An Australian 375 ml can of full-strength beer (4.8% ABV) is officially 1.4 standard drinks, proving that a single serving is often more than one unit. The question, 'Is 375 ml of beer a standard drink?', is therefore complex and depends heavily on the beer's strength and where you are in the world.

Quick Summary

The definition of a standard drink varies by country, making a 375 ml beer's unit count variable. The precise alcohol content, or ABV, is the key factor in determining the number of standard drinks within the 375 ml volume.

Key Points

Not a Universal Measure: A standard drink is not a fixed volume globally; its definition varies significantly by country.
Country-Dependent: A 375 ml beer's standard drink count is determined by its ABV and the local country's guidelines.
ABV is Key: The alcohol by volume (ABV) is the most important factor in calculating the number of standard drinks in a 375 ml can or bottle.
Often More Than One: In many regions, especially with full-strength varieties, a 375 ml beer contains more than one standard drink.
Always Check the Label: The most accurate way to know the standard drink count is to read the information printed on the beverage's label.
Varies by Beer Strength: A 375 ml mid-strength beer might be one standard drink, while a full-strength one is more, as seen in Australian guidelines.

The Global Ambiguity of a "Standard Drink"

A standard drink is not a universally fixed volume but a unit of measurement representing a specific amount of pure alcohol. This amount differs from country to country, making it essential to consult local health guidelines rather than relying on a single assumption. For example, a standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol in Australia, while in the United States, it contains 14 grams. This fundamental difference means that a 375 ml serving of beer will not equate to the same number of standard drinks everywhere.

Why a 375 ml Beer Can Be More Than One Drink

The alcohol by volume (ABV) is the percentage of pure alcohol in a beverage. This percentage is crucial for determining the standard drink count. Most people mistakenly assume that a single can or bottle of beer always counts as one standard drink. However, with craft beers and stronger full-strength options becoming more popular, the ABV can push a typical 375 ml container well over the one-drink mark. To accurately determine the number of standard drinks, you must multiply the total volume of the beverage (in ml) by its ABV percentage and the density of alcohol (0.789 g/ml), and then divide that by your country's standard drink equivalent in grams. This is why a 375 ml can of full-strength beer (around 4.8% ABV) contains more than a single standard drink in many countries.

Country-Specific Analysis of 375 ml Beer

Let's break down what a 375 ml serving of beer means in different regions, specifically focusing on how the alcohol content affects the standard drink calculation. It's a common misconception that all beer is the same strength, but the distinction between light, mid-strength, and full-strength is key.

In Australia, for instance, the guidelines from the Department of Health are very clear about different beer types.

A 375 ml can of mid-strength beer (3.5% ABV) is precisely one standard drink.
A 375 ml can of full-strength beer (4.8% ABV) is approximately 1.4 standard drinks.
A 375 ml can of low-strength beer (2.7% ABV) is about 0.8 standard drinks.

This level of detail is necessary for responsible consumption and for adhering to legal limits, such as when driving. Many other countries have different volumes for a standard drink, which further complicates the matter.

The Calculation Explained

The formula for calculating standard drinks is surprisingly simple once you know the values. In Australia, where a standard drink is 10g of alcohol, the formula is: (Volume in Litres) x (ABV %) x 0.789 = Grams of Alcohol, then (Grams of Alcohol) / 10 = Standard Drinks. For the US, it would be (Grams of Alcohol) / 14 = Standard Drinks.

International Comparison: 375 ml Beer and Standard Drinks


Country	Standard Drink Definition	375 ml Beer (5% ABV)	375 ml Beer (3.5% ABV)
Australia	10 grams of alcohol	Approx. 1.5 standard drinks	Approx. 1.0 standard drinks
United States	14 grams of alcohol	Approx. 1.3 standard drinks	Approx. 0.9 standard drinks
Canada	13.45 grams of alcohol	Approx. 1.4 standard drinks	Approx. 1.0 standard drinks

This table highlights the need to be aware of both the beer's strength and the country's specific guidelines. What is considered one standard drink in one place might be a higher quantity elsewhere.

Alcohol Strength and its Impact

Beer varieties differ significantly in their alcohol concentration. It is no longer safe to assume a 'one can equals one standard drink' mentality, especially with the prevalence of craft beers that often have higher ABVs. A 12-ounce (approx. 355 ml) beer in the US is considered one standard drink at 5% ABV, but many craft beers far exceed this percentage. A 375 ml craft beer with 7% ABV would therefore be around 1.8 standard drinks in the US, not just one. This hidden alcohol content can lead to overconsumption without the drinker realizing it, increasing health risks and potential for impairment.

The Importance of Reading Labels

Due to these variations, the most reliable method for tracking your alcohol intake is to check the information printed on the beverage's label. Most commercially sold alcoholic beverages are required to list the number of standard drinks in the container, along with the ABV percentage. This takes the guesswork out of the equation and provides an accurate measure for anyone looking to monitor their consumption, whether for health reasons or for legal requirements like operating a vehicle. Ignoring this crucial information can lead to miscalculations with serious consequences.

Conclusion: Your Responsibility to Know Your Drinks

The simple answer to the question, "Is 375 ml of beer a standard drink?" is not a straightforward yes or no. A 375 ml serving can be one, more than one, or less than one standard drink, depending entirely on its alcohol by volume (ABV) and the country's definition of a standard unit. The Australian example, where a 375 ml mid-strength is one standard drink but a full-strength is 1.4, perfectly illustrates this complexity. It is the responsibility of the consumer to understand these nuances. Always read the label, be mindful of the ABV, and familiarize yourself with your local guidelines. This knowledge is essential for making informed decisions about your alcohol consumption, protecting your health, and staying safe.

For more information on standard drink guidelines, you can visit official health websites like the Australian Government's standard drinks guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard drink is a unit of measurement that represents a specific amount of pure alcohol. The exact amount varies by country; for example, it's 10 grams in Australia and 14 grams in the United States.

To calculate the standard drinks, you need the beer's ABV and your country's standard drink size. A basic formula is (Volume in ml) x (ABV %) x 0.789 / (Local Standard Drink Size in grams). The result will tell you the exact number of standard drinks.

A 375 ml beer is often more than one standard drink because the standard drink definition is based on alcohol content, not volume. Many full-strength beers contain a higher ABV than the reference standard, pushing the unit count higher.

Yes, the type of beer—such as light, mid-strength, or full-strength—directly affects the standard drink count because each has a different ABV. A low-strength beer will have fewer standard drinks than a full-strength one in the same volume.

Official health and government websites are the best source for your country's standard drink guidelines. For instance, in Australia, the Department of Health provides this information, and in the US, the NIAAA offers resources.

Yes, standard drink definitions vary significantly worldwide. A standard drink in Canada contains 13.45 grams of alcohol, while the same measure in Australia is 10 grams, demonstrating the need for local awareness.

It is not safe to assume one beer can is one standard drink. With the wide range of ABV levels, from low-alcohol options to high-strength craft beers, a single can could contain anywhere from less than one to two or more standard drinks.

ABV stands for 'Alcohol by Volume,' and it indicates the percentage of pure alcohol in a beverage. It is important because it is the primary factor used to calculate the number of standard drinks in a given volume, such as a 375 ml beer.

In many countries, producers are required to list the number of standard drinks and the ABV directly on the label. This information is usually found alongside other nutritional information or near the barcode.