Single and double shots by spirit strength
While standard spirits are 40% ABV, premium whiskeys, rums, and cask-strength liquors vary from 37.5% up to 50% or more:
| ABV | UK units | FR verres (10 g) | DK / IT (12 g) | US drinks (14 g) | AU / JP (10 g) | CA / DE (13.45 g) | Grams | kcal | % of UK week (14) | % of FR week (10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37.5% | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 7.4 | 53 | 6.7% | 7.4% |
| 40% | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 7.9 | 56 | 7.1% | 7.9% |
| 43% | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 8.5 | 60 | 7.7% | 8.5% |
| 50% | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 9.9 | 70 | 8.9% | 9.9% |
| ABV | UK units | FR verres (10 g) | DK / IT (12 g) | US drinks (14 g) | AU / JP (10 g) | CA / DE (13.45 g) | Grams | kcal | % of UK week (14) | % of FR week (10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37.5% | 1.9 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 14.8 | 105 | 13.4% | 14.8% |
| 40% | 2.0 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 1.6 | 1.2 | 15.8 | 112 | 14.3% | 15.8% |
| 43% | 2.2 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 17.0 | 120 | 15.4% | 17.0% |
| 50% | 2.5 | 2.0 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 19.7 | 140 | 17.9% | 19.7% |
How many units in a 70cl bottle of spirits?
A standard retail 70 cl bottle of spirits holds 700 ml. That equals 28 standard single 25 ml measures, or 14 double measures. At 40% ABV, one 70 cl bottle carries 28.0 UK units—exactly twice the Chief Medical Officers' 14-unit weekly guideline:
| ABV | UK units | FR verres (10 g) | DK / IT (12 g) | US drinks (14 g) | AU / JP (10 g) | CA / DE (13.45 g) | Grams | kcal | % of UK week (14) | % of FR week (10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37.5% | 26.3 | 20.7 | 17.3 | 14.8 | 20.7 | 15.4 | 207.1 | 1,470 | 187.5% | 207.1% |
| 40% | 28.0 | 22.1 | 18.4 | 15.8 | 22.1 | 16.4 | 220.9 | 1,569 | 200.0% | 220.9% |
| 43% | 30.1 | 23.7 | 19.8 | 17.0 | 23.7 | 17.7 | 237.5 | 1,686 | 215.0% | 237.5% |
| 50% | 35.0 | 27.6 | 23.0 | 19.7 | 27.6 | 20.5 | 276.2 | 1,961 | 250.0% | 276.2% |
Calculate any specific pour or mixed drink with the unit calculator, compare measures on our drink units, calories and spend tables, or review the official guidelines by country.
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Common questions
How many units in a single shot of vodka, gin, whiskey or rum?
In a UK pub serving a standard 25 ml measure of 40% ABV spirit, a single shot contains exactly 1.0 UK unit of pure alcohol (25 × 40 ÷ 1000 = 1.0), representing 7.89 grams of pure ethanol.
How many units in a double shot?
A 50 ml double shot of 40% ABV spirit contains 2.0 UK units (50 × 40 ÷ 1000 = 2.0). It carries approximately 15.8 grams of pure alcohol and 112 calories from ethanol alone.
How many units in a 70cl bottle of spirits?
A standard 70 cl (700 ml) bottle of 40% ABV spirit contains exactly 28.0 UK units (700 × 40 ÷ 1000 = 28.0), representing exactly 28 single 25 ml measures or 14 double 50 ml shots. At 37.5% ABV, a 70 cl bottle contains 26.3 UK units. One bottle of 40% spirits represents exactly two full weeks of the UK Chief Medical Officers' 14-unit guideline.
Why do some UK pubs pour 35 ml shots?
Under UK Weights and Measures law, licensed premises must choose to serve either 25 ml or 35 ml measures of gin, rum, vodka, and whisky (and display which one they use). A 35 ml single measure at 40% ABV contains 1.4 UK units.
How many shots of spirit is 14 units?
Fourteen 25 ml single shots of 40% spirit equal the UK 14-unit weekly guideline. If the venue pours 35 ml singles, 10 shots equal 14 units. For double shots (50 ml), just seven drinks reach the weekly limit.
How many calories are in a shot of spirits?
A 25 ml shot of 40% spirit contains roughly 56 calories entirely from the alcohol. A 50 ml double shot contains 112 kcal. Sugary liqueurs, syrups, and non-diet mixers add substantial carbohydrate calories on top.
