1. What is the Widmark Formula?

The Widmark formula is a mathematical equation used to estimate blood alcohol concentration (BAC) based on the amount of alcohol consumed, body weight, and gender. It was developed by Swedish professor Erik Widmark in the 1930s and remains a widely used method for BAC estimation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Widmark formula:

Where:

• \( Alcohol\ grams \) — Total grams of pure alcohol consumed
• \( Weight\ grams \) — Body weight in grams
• \( r \) — Distribution ratio (0.68 for males, 0.55 for females)

Explanation: The formula estimates the concentration of alcohol in the blood by accounting for body water distribution, which varies by gender due to differences in body composition.

3. Importance of BAC Calculation

Details: Accurate BAC estimation is crucial for understanding alcohol impairment levels, legal limits for driving, and making informed decisions about alcohol consumption and safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter alcohol consumption in grams, body weight in grams, and select gender. Note that 1 standard drink typically contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the legal BAC limit for driving?
A: In most countries, the legal limit is 0.08% for drivers over 21, but this varies by jurisdiction and driver age.

Q2: How accurate is the Widmark formula?
A: It provides a reasonable estimate but doesn't account for individual variations in metabolism, food consumption, or drinking duration.

Q3: Why different r values for males and females?
A: Females typically have higher body fat percentage and lower water content, leading to higher BAC levels from the same alcohol intake.

Q4: How to convert drinks to alcohol grams?
A: One standard drink (14g alcohol) equals: 12oz beer (5%), 5oz wine (12%), or 1.5oz spirits (40%).

Q5: What factors affect BAC besides weight and gender?
A: Metabolism rate, food intake, medication, tolerance, and drinking pace all influence actual BAC levels.