ABV Calculator (Alcohol by Volume)
Compare simple drink recipes with one alcoholic component and one nonalcoholic mixer.
How the result changes
Only alcoholic ingredient volume changes; all other inputs stay at your current values. The line illustrates the formula across the shown range. This is not a forecast of real-world outcomes.
About this calculation
ABV Calculator (Alcohol by Volume) calculates estimated mixed-drink abv from alcoholic ingredient volume, alcoholic ingredient strength, nonalcoholic mixer volume. Compare simple drink recipes with one alcoholic component and one nonalcoholic mixer. The main answer uses % ABV and follows the specific assumptions explained below.
Formula
Mixed ABV ≈ spirit volume × spirit ABV ÷ (spirit volume + mixer volume).
Worked example
With Alcoholic ingredient volume: 50 mL, Alcoholic ingredient strength: 40 % ABV, Nonalcoholic mixer volume: 150 mL, estimated mixed-drink abv is 10 % ABV.
Inputs and calculation
Find the approximate pure-alcohol volume by multiplying spirit milliliters by its ABV fraction. Divide that amount by the sum of measured spirit and nonalcoholic mixer volumes. The displayed relationship is Mixed ABV ≈ spirit volume × spirit ABV ÷ (spirit volume + mixer volume). Keep the fields' displayed units attached when reproducing this relationship by hand.
Worked numerical example
For example, enter alcoholic ingredient volume 50 mL, alcoholic ingredient strength 40 % ABV, nonalcoholic mixer volume 150 mL. Those inputs produce estimated mixed-drink abv of 10 % ABV. The same values also give approximate pure alcohol volume 20 mL.
Holding the other example values fixed, change alcoholic ingredient volume from 50 to 55 mL. The main output becomes 10.7317 % ABV. This comparison isolates the effect of that one input.
How to read and use the result
The resulting percentage is an approximate alcohol-by-volume concentration for the combined drink, not a blood alcohol estimate or a measure of impairment. Compare simple drink recipes with one alcoholic component and one nonalcoholic mixer.
Practical context
Fifty milliliters of a 40% spirit contains approximately 20 mL of ethanol. With 150 mL of zero-alcohol mixer, the simplified 200 mL drink is about 10% ABV.
Assumptions and scope
The mixer has zero alcohol and measured volumes add approximately. Ice melt, dissolved ingredients, contraction on mixing and multiple alcoholic ingredients are not represented. Replace the example defaults with measured inputs for your situation and account separately for factors outside these fields.
Checks and common mistakes
A 40% spirit mixed with three times its volume of mixer is not 40% ABV afterward. Alcohol effects depend on far more than drink strength; never use this estimate to decide whether driving is safe.
Common questions
What should I verify before using the ABV Calculator (Alcohol by Volume) result?
Adding ice can lower that figure as it melts, while topping up with another alcoholic ingredient would raise it. The number describes concentration in the glass, not total alcohol intake; the separate pure-alcohol volume is needed to compare differently sized drinks. Local standard-drink definitions also vary.
Inputs
- Alcoholic ingredient volume (mL)
- Alcoholic ingredient strength (% ABV)
- Nonalcoholic mixer volume (mL)