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, gender, and time since drinking. It's widely used for forensic and educational purposes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Widmark formula:

Where:

• \( BAC \) — Blood Alcohol Concentration (%)
• \( A \) — Alcohol consumed (grams)
• \( W \) — Body weight (lbs)
• \( r \) — Gender factor (0.68 for males, 0.55 for females)
• \( H \) — Hours since drinking began

Explanation: The formula accounts for alcohol distribution in body water, metabolic rate, and gender differences in body composition.

3. Importance of BAC Calculation

Details: BAC estimation helps individuals understand their level of impairment, make informed decisions about driving, and comply with legal limits. In the UK, the legal driving limit is 0.08% BAC.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter alcohol consumed in grams (standard UK drink ≈ 8-10g), weight in pounds, select gender, and hours since drinking began. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the legal BAC limit for driving in the UK?
A: The legal limit in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is 0.08% BAC. In Scotland, it's 0.05% BAC.

Q2: How accurate is the Widmark formula?
A: It provides a reasonable estimate but individual factors like metabolism, food consumption, and medication can affect actual BAC.

Q3: How do I convert drinks to grams of alcohol?
A: In the UK, one unit contains 8g of alcohol. A pint of beer (5%) ≈ 2.3 units (18.4g), glass of wine (12%) ≈ 2.1 units (16.8g).

Q4: Why is the gender factor different?
A: Females typically have higher body fat percentage and lower water content, resulting in higher BAC from the same amount of alcohol.

Q5: Can I use this calculation for legal purposes?
A: No, this is for educational purposes only. Legal BAC determinations require certified breathalyzer or blood tests.