Standard drinks and beer in Australia: labels, guidelines and pacing

In Australia, a standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. The number of standard drinks in a beer depends on its alcohol content and serve size, and every alcohol container sold in Australia must show it on the label. To reduce the risk of harm, the national guidelines say healthy adults should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 on any one day. The less you drink, the lower the risk.

This guide explains how to count and pace your drinking. It is general information based on the Australian Government Department of Health and the NHMRC. It is not medical advice; speak to your doctor about your own situation. It is part of our Australian beer guide.

What a standard drink is

A standard drink is a unit of measurement, not a serve size. It always contains 10 g of pure alcohol. As the NHMRC puts it, the type of alcohol makes no difference: 10 g of alcohol is 10 g of alcohol, whether it is in beer, wine or spirits.

How to find the number of standard drinks

Packaged beer

All containers of alcohol in Australia must show the number of standard drinks they contain, according to the Department of Health. Look on the can or bottle label, usually near the alcohol content. Our article on how to read an Australian beer label explains the other information on the label.

Beer on tap

Tap beer does not come with a label. To estimate:

1. Ask staff about the beer's alcohol content and the glass size.
2. Check the tap list, which often shows alcohol by volume (ABV).
3. Use the Department of Health's standard drinks guide or a reputable calculator.

Our glass sizes guide explains Australian glass names and volumes.

Why strength and size matter

Two beers in the same glass can contain very different amounts of alcohol. Strength is shown as alcohol by volume (ABV); see the glossary entry for alcohol by volume. In general:

• Larger serves contain more alcohol than smaller serves of the same beer.
• Stronger beers, such as many IPAs, imperial stouts and Belgian-style ales, contain more alcohol per glass.
• Mid-strength and light beers contain less.
• Non-alcoholic beers contain very little or no alcohol; check the label.

Many craft beers contain more than one standard drink per can or glass. Never assume one beer equals one standard drink.

The national guidelines

The NHMRC's Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol include three guidelines:

The guidelines reduce risk but do not eliminate it. For some people, not drinking at all is the safest option. Speak to your doctor if you take medication or have a health condition.

Practical ways to pace yourself

• Count your standard drinks as you go.
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks.
• Choose smaller glasses or lower-strength beers. See low and no-alcohol beer.
• Eat before and while you drink. Our beer and food pairing guide has ideas.
• Share tasting paddles at breweries.
• Do not join every shout if you are in a large group.
• Set a limit before you start.

Getting home safely

Never drink and drive. Each state sets blood alcohol limits for drivers, and some drivers, such as learners, provisional licence holders and professional drivers, must have zero alcohol. Plan transport before you start: public transport, taxi, rideshare, a designated driver or accommodation. On brewery trips, book a tour or driver. See our article on a responsible brewery day and the brewery travel hub.

Getting help

If you are concerned about your own or someone else's drinking, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation provides information and support services. The Department of Health also lists support services. In an emergency, call 000.

Where to go next

• Back to the Australian beer guide
• Australian beer glass sizes
• Low and no-alcohol beer
• How to read an Australian beer label
• Australian beer FAQ