Alcoholic units

In the UK a system of alcoholic units is employed for a rough measure of the amount of alcohol in different drinks.

• A normal glass of wine or sherry, a single measure of spirits and a half pint of beer each contain about one unit, or 8g (1/4oz) alcohol.
• A large glass of red or white wine or half a pint of cider contains about 12g (3/8oz), or one and a half units. However strong lager may contain as much as two units per half pint.

Limits

It is recommended that men drink no more than 21 units and women 14 units a week. The difference between genders is given due to the (typically) lower weight and water-to-body-mass-ratio of women.

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In Australia, there is a similar concept known as 'standard drinks'. A glass of wine or a shot of spirits are considered a standard drink. A 375ml bottle of beer can vary from 0.9 standard drinks for light beer to 1.4 for normal beer.