About the NHS low-risk guideline
Not medical advice. Always follow your clinician’s advice. If you are pregnant, under 18, or worried about your drinking, see NHS support links below.
The NHS advises men and women not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week, spread over 3 or more days, with several drink-free days. There is no completely safe level of drinking.
Key numbers
- 14 units a week is the point the NHS uses for regular drinking for both men and women (not more than this on a regular basis).
- Spread over 3 or more days, with several drink-free days each week.
- Formula: units = volume (ml) × ABV (%) ÷ 1000.
Low risk ≠ safe
The NHS is clear that there is no completely safe level of alcohol consumption. Staying within 14 units is described as lower risk. The NHS does not call it “safe”, so our calculator says “low-risk guideline”.
Official NHS sources
Pregnancy, young people, and getting help
The NHS advises avoiding alcohol in pregnancy. For under-18s, an alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest option. If you are finding it hard to cut down, the NHS alcohol support page lists free, confidential services in the UK.
