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What Is the Widmark Formula?
The Widmark formula, published in 1932 by Swedish scientist Erik Widmark, estimates blood alcohol content by approximating how alcohol distributes through body water using a distribution constant (r).
BAC(%) = (alcohol consumed (g) ÷ (body weight (g) × r)) × 100 − (0.015 × hours elapsed)
The distribution constant r is typically about 0.68 for men and 0.55 for women (women tend to have a lower proportion of body water due to higher average body fat percentage). Alcohol is assumed to be eliminated at roughly 0.015%/hour. This formula is a simplified population-average estimate — actual metabolism varies significantly between individuals.
BAC(%) = (alcohol consumed (g) ÷ (body weight (g) × r)) × 100 − (0.015 × hours elapsed)
The distribution constant r is typically about 0.68 for men and 0.55 for women (women tend to have a lower proportion of body water due to higher average body fat percentage). Alcohol is assumed to be eliminated at roughly 0.015%/hour. This formula is a simplified population-average estimate — actual metabolism varies significantly between individuals.