Is 4 beers equal to 4 shots? The Complex Answer About Alcohol Equivalency
                                
                                
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                                    6 min read                                
                            
                                According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one standard 12-ounce beer at 5% ABV contains the same amount of pure alcohol (0.6 ounces) as one 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) liquor. So, while the pure ethanol is equal, is 4 beers equal to 4 shots in terms of intoxication and its effects? The real answer reveals a crucial difference in how your body processes alcohol based on speed and concentration.