Which of the following is defined as one drink? Understanding the standard measurements

December 25, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, one standard drink contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, though the volume of the beverage can vary greatly. The seemingly simple question, "Which of the following is defined as one drink?" has a nuanced answer that depends on both the type of alcohol and its concentration.

Quick Summary

A standard drink is defined by a consistent amount of pure alcohol, not a consistent liquid volume. The equivalent serving sizes for beer, wine, and spirits differ to account for variations in alcohol concentration, as outlined by health authorities.

Key Points

Standard Measurement: A US standard drink is defined as 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, or 14 grams.
Varying Volumes: Equivalent serving sizes differ by beverage type to account for their varied alcohol concentrations.
Beer Equivalent: A 12-ounce can or bottle of 5% ABV regular beer is one standard drink.
Wine Equivalent: A 5-ounce glass of 12% ABV table wine is one standard drink.
Spirits Equivalent: A 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) liquor is one standard drink.
International Differences: Standard drink definitions, measured by grams of pure alcohol, vary widely from country to country.
Know Your Pour: A single drink served in a bar or at home often contains more than one standard drink, making responsible tracking essential.

The Importance of the Standard Drink Definition

Understanding the standard drink definition is crucial for making informed decisions about alcohol consumption. While a can of beer, a glass of wine, and a shot of liquor may look and feel very different, they can all contain approximately the same amount of pure alcohol. This measurement helps health organizations provide accurate consumption guidelines and helps individuals better monitor their intake. Standard drink sizes are determined by a beverage's Alcohol by Volume (ABV) percentage, which dictates how much pure ethanol is present.

The US Standard Drink Explained

In the United States, a single standard drink is defined as containing approximately 14 grams, or 0.6 fluid ounces, of pure alcohol. This definition serves as a baseline for measuring and comparing the alcohol content of different beverages.

How Alcohol Content Affects Serving Size

The varying serving sizes are directly tied to the concentration of pure alcohol (ABV). The {Link: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_drink} page provides specific examples of standard drink equivalents in the US, including beer, wine, and spirits, and also details how these definitions vary internationally, such as in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Comparison of US Standard Drink Sizes


Beverage Type	Standard Serving Size	Approximate ABV
Regular Beer	12 fluid ounces	5%
Table Wine	5 fluid ounces	12%
Distilled Spirits (80-proof)	1.5 fluid ounces	40%
Malt Liquor	8-9 fluid ounces	7%

The Impact of Larger Pour Sizes

Actual drink sizes in social settings or larger bottles can exceed one standard drink, which is important for responsible tracking.

Global Variations in Standard Drink Definitions

Standard drink definitions differ internationally, typically ranging from 8 to 20 grams of pure alcohol.

Conclusion

In the US, one drink is defined by a standard amount of pure alcohol (0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams), not a consistent volume. This standard helps in accurately quantifying intake across different beverages for promoting safe and moderate consumption. Be mindful that actual servings can exceed one standard drink, particularly with larger pours or higher ABV products.

For more information on alcohol and health, including moderate drinking guidelines, the CDC offers resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 12-ounce can of 5% ABV regular beer is considered one standard drink. However, stronger craft beers, larger cans, or malt liquors often contain more than one standard drink.

A 5-ounce glass of table wine with 12% ABV is one standard drink. If the wine has a higher ABV, as many do today, a 5-ounce pour will be more than one standard drink.

A mixed drink's standard drink count depends on the type and number of shots used. One 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof liquor equals one standard drink, so a cocktail may contain one or more standard drinks.

The standard drink definition differs internationally because countries use different benchmarks for the amount of pure alcohol (in grams). These variations can influence how national health guidelines are interpreted.

You can accurately measure a standard drink at home by using a measuring cup or a jigger. Measure out 12 ounces for a regular beer, 5 ounces for wine, and 1.5 ounces for 80-proof spirits.

The key factor is the alcohol concentration, or Alcohol by Volume (ABV), of the beverage. The higher the ABV, the smaller the serving size needed to equal one standard drink.

No, there is no amount of alcohol consumption that is considered completely safe. The concept of a standard drink is a tool for measurement, and health risks can still exist even with moderate drinking.