🍺 Blood Alcohol Concentration - Widmark Formula
This calculator estimates Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) using the Widmark formula. It helps you understand how alcohol metabolizes over time, allowing you to plan safe drinking. Please note that actual BAC can vary based on individual metabolism, drinking speed, food consumption, and other factors. Use this for reference only.
Drink Type
Amount Consumed
ml
Alcohol Content
%
Weight
Kg
Gender
Peak Blood Alcohol Concentration
0.17957
| Elapsed Time | Decay (0.015/h) | Decay (0.03/h) |
|---|
01
Understanding the Widmark Formula and BAC
The Widmark formula, developed by Swedish biochemist Erik Widmark in 1932, is the most widely used method for calculating Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) globally. This formula estimates BAC by dividing the amount of alcohol consumed by body weight and gender-specific water content ratios. Men average 68% body water (0.68), while women average 55% (0.55). This difference explains why women typically reach higher BAC levels than men after consuming the same amount of alcohol.
BAC is expressed as a percentage (%) or g/dL. In Korea, it's commonly shown as 0.03%, 0.05%, or 0.08%, representing grams of alcohol per 100ml of blood. For example, 0.05% means 0.05g of alcohol per 100ml blood.
Korea's drunk driving threshold is 0.03% BAC or higher. 0.03% or more results in license suspension, while 0.08% or more leads to license revocation. Since 2019, penalties have strengthened, with aggravated punishment for 0.2% or higher.
Alcohol reaches peak concentration 30 minutes to 1 hour after consumption. Absorption is faster on an empty stomach and slower when consuming food. Once absorbed, alcohol is primarily metabolized by the liver at approximately 0.015% per hour, though individual variation ranges from 0.01-0.03%.
BAC is expressed as a percentage (%) or g/dL. In Korea, it's commonly shown as 0.03%, 0.05%, or 0.08%, representing grams of alcohol per 100ml of blood. For example, 0.05% means 0.05g of alcohol per 100ml blood.
Korea's drunk driving threshold is 0.03% BAC or higher. 0.03% or more results in license suspension, while 0.08% or more leads to license revocation. Since 2019, penalties have strengthened, with aggravated punishment for 0.2% or higher.
Alcohol reaches peak concentration 30 minutes to 1 hour after consumption. Absorption is faster on an empty stomach and slower when consuming food. Once absorbed, alcohol is primarily metabolized by the liver at approximately 0.015% per hour, though individual variation ranges from 0.01-0.03%.
02
Korean Drinking Culture and Social Perceptions
Korea has a unique drinking culture. Company gatherings, year-end parties, and New Year celebrations feature prominent drinking culture, with alcohol also essential in friendly gatherings. Soju is Korea's most beloved alcoholic beverage, popular for its affordability and high alcohol content.
Korea's annual per capita alcohol consumption ranks among the highest in OECD countries. Particularly high drinking rates and volumes appear among men aged 20-40, with women's drinking rates recently increasing. This closely relates to social life.
"Bomb shot" culture is distinctively Korean. Mixing soju into beer creates high-alcohol drinks causing rapid intoxication. Health experts warn about bomb shot dangers, yet many still enjoy drinking them.
"One shot" culture is also Korean. Often encouraging or pressuring others to empty glasses in one gulp, this practice severely harms health. Recently, criticism of such coercive drinking culture has grown, with atmospheres increasingly respecting "right to refuse."
Treatment and counseling systems for alcohol dependence are gradually expanding. Alcohol addiction is recognized as a disease requiring professional treatment. Government-operated alcohol counseling centers and treatment programs are available.
Korea's annual per capita alcohol consumption ranks among the highest in OECD countries. Particularly high drinking rates and volumes appear among men aged 20-40, with women's drinking rates recently increasing. This closely relates to social life.
"Bomb shot" culture is distinctively Korean. Mixing soju into beer creates high-alcohol drinks causing rapid intoxication. Health experts warn about bomb shot dangers, yet many still enjoy drinking them.
"One shot" culture is also Korean. Often encouraging or pressuring others to empty glasses in one gulp, this practice severely harms health. Recently, criticism of such coercive drinking culture has grown, with atmospheres increasingly respecting "right to refuse."
Treatment and counseling systems for alcohol dependence are gradually expanding. Alcohol addiction is recognized as a disease requiring professional treatment. Government-operated alcohol counseling centers and treatment programs are available.
03
Physical Effects by BAC Level
BAC affects body and mind differently at various levels. 0.02-0.03% shows subtle changes with slight mood elevation and relaxation effects. Most people feel no significant changes at this concentration.
At 0.04-0.05%, judgment begins deteriorating. Mood improves, inhibitions decrease, and slight dizziness may occur. Driving becomes dangerous at this concentration, with slowed reaction speeds.
0.06-0.09% represents obvious intoxication. Speech slurs, balance decreases, and vision blurs. Memory and concentration significantly decrease, with motor skills greatly impaired. Absolutely no driving should occur at this stage.
0.10-0.15% indicates severe intoxication. Walking becomes unsteady, vomiting may occur. Judgment nearly disappears, emotional control becomes difficult. Blackouts (memory loss) can occur at this dangerous level.
0.16% or higher is extremely dangerous, potentially causing unconsciousness. Risks include respiratory depression, hypothermia, and acute alcohol poisoning. Above 0.30% threatens life, requiring immediate emergency treatment. 0.40% or higher approaches lethal levels.
Alcohol effects vary by individual constitution, drinking habits, and health status. Regular drinkers develop tolerance, feeling less intoxicated at the same concentration, though harmful effects on the body remain identical.
At 0.04-0.05%, judgment begins deteriorating. Mood improves, inhibitions decrease, and slight dizziness may occur. Driving becomes dangerous at this concentration, with slowed reaction speeds.
0.06-0.09% represents obvious intoxication. Speech slurs, balance decreases, and vision blurs. Memory and concentration significantly decrease, with motor skills greatly impaired. Absolutely no driving should occur at this stage.
0.10-0.15% indicates severe intoxication. Walking becomes unsteady, vomiting may occur. Judgment nearly disappears, emotional control becomes difficult. Blackouts (memory loss) can occur at this dangerous level.
0.16% or higher is extremely dangerous, potentially causing unconsciousness. Risks include respiratory depression, hypothermia, and acute alcohol poisoning. Above 0.30% threatens life, requiring immediate emergency treatment. 0.40% or higher approaches lethal levels.
Alcohol effects vary by individual constitution, drinking habits, and health status. Regular drinkers develop tolerance, feeling less intoxicated at the same concentration, though harmful effects on the body remain identical.