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Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project

What Counts as Moderation? A Guide to Drinking Less

Understanding Standard Drink Sizes

Many people are unaware of what counts as a standard serving of alcohol. In recent years, drink containers have become larger and stronger, making what looks like a single serving far more alcoholic than expected. Understanding how big a standard drink is can help people more accurately assess the risk alcohol may pose to them.

What Is a “Standard Drink”?

In the United States, a standard drink contains 0.6 fluid ounces (14 grams) of pure alcohol. This is the amount used in public health guidelines—not necessarily the amount poured into a glass or found in a typical beverage container.

Because alcohol levels vary widely, a standard drink is based on alcohol by volume (ABV):

  • Beer: (5% ABV): 12 ounces
  • Stronger beer or wine: (12% ABV): 5 ounces
  • Fortified wine: 3–4 ounces
  • Distilled spirits: (40% ABV): 1.5 ounces
United States Standard Drink Sizes Infographic (CDC)

Why This Matters

  • Most people pour more than these amounts at home.
  • Many ready‑to‑drink beverages contain far more alcohol than expected.
  • Some “alcopops,” for example, can reach 14% ABV and come in 24‑ounce cans, meaning a single container may hold five or more standard drinks.
This means what appears to be “one drink” can actually deliver multiple servings of alcohol—making it easy to unintentionally consume unhealthy amounts.

What is considered safe?

Drinking in Moderation Definition Infographic

Technically, there is no safe level of alcohol. Each drink contributes to a person’s lifetime risk of developing cancer, and if you drink two to three drinks per day, you could be damaging your liver. Drinking can make you more prone for injuries or to be a victim of violence.1(pp4, 26, 39-40) The points below outline how risks increase with the more alcohol a person consumes:

  • More than 7 drinks per week = 1 in 1,000 risk of alcohol-related death.
  • More than 9 drinks per week = 1 in 100 risk of alcohol-related death.
  • For men averaging 2 drinks per day = 1 in 25 risk of alcohol-related death.

How can you lower your risk?

  • If you do not drink alcohol, do not start. 
  • If you do drink, cut back. Have alcohol free days. You’ll reduce the risk of harm to your health and lower injury risk. 

Certain groups should avoid alcohol entirely, including: 

  • People who are pregnant or may become pregnant, 
  • Anyone under 21
  • People with certain medical conditions or taking medications that interact with alcohol
  • People recovering from alcohol use disorder, or who struggle to limit drinking
  • Individuals with a family history of alcohol-related cancers

Sources:

Alcohol Intake & Health Study Surgeon General's Advisory World Health Organization Statement

Check Your Drinking | Make a Plan to Drink Less

Want to check your alcohol use? This quick assessment can help you check.

View the CDC Alcohol Screening Tool

Alcohol Consumption Resources

Dietary Guidelines for Alcohol (CDC)
Facts about moderate alcohol consumption and non-drinking.

Drink Less, Be Your Best Communications Campaign (CDC)
A campaign that encourages US adults who drink excessively to drink less to improve their quality of life, relationships, and health.

Consumer Guide: Finding and Choosing Substance Use Treatment Programs (Wisconsin DHS)
View the Wisconsin community substance use services provider directory.

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