Last Updated on March 29, 2024 by Lydia Martin
There can be different reasons for alcohol consumption- relaxation, celebration, fun, and even stress release.
Most experienced drinkers know how many beers it would take to get drunk. This research can be useful to first-timers since many factors affect someone’s alcohol capacity.
So, how many beers to get drunk? Read on.
Number of Beers To Get You Drunk
In general, an average male may take four to five beers, while an average healthy female may take two to four beers in an hour to get drunk.
However, consuming alcohol and getting drunk varies with different factors.
For instance, higher beer alcohol content can make you drunk faster. It would help if you also considered gender because women generally get drunk faster than men.
Other factors such as weight, height, medication, age, and alcohol tolerance also matter.
Factors To Consider
ABV
Beers [1] may contain different alcohol content, and more alcohol content can make you drunk easily.
Craft beers contain higher ABV than lighter commercial beers, so don’t be surprised if you don’t get drunk with non-alcoholic beers, light beer, or Bud Light easily.
Also, your drink’s size matters because not all beers are served in the same amount; a higher volume obviously contains higher alcohol content.
Here’s a table of beer categories and how much alcohol they contain:
| Beer Category | Average ABV |
| Lager | 4.5% – 5% |
| Hybrid | 4.5% – 5% |
| IPA Ale | 6 – 8% |
| Low Alcohol Beer | 0.96 |
| English Pale Ale | 4.71 |
Age
As people age, their tolerance for alcohol decreases. The elderly get drunk easily due to loss of muscular mass.
Young people have a fast metabolism and enough muscle mass, so they have a higher tolerance.
When you get older, it is a common scenario that your metabolism declines [2]. After drinking beer, older people may have higher blood alcohol concentration because they have slower rates of elimination of alcohol.
Read: Draft Beer & Craft Beer Compared
Weight & Height
Lighter people get drunk more easily than heavier people because the body fat of a heavy person reduces alcohol resistance.
It may take three to four beers for an average female to get drunk, but it may take one drink for a female who weighs 100 pounds to feel tipsy or get drunk.
Also, height is a factor to consider because a taller person should drink more to get drunk than shorter people.
An average man can be drunk after two or three drinks, while taller people hardly feel the sign of drunkenness after three beers because of a longer circulatory system.
Gender
Based on the University of Notre Dame Division of Student Affairs, gender affects the absorption rate of alcohol [3].
An average-sized man has a higher percentage of water and weighs heavier than a woman because they have less fat and more muscle mass.
An average woman can drink beer, but they can get drunk after two to four beers because they have less alcohol dehydrogenase.
It will help break down alcohol leading to increased blood alcohol content.
Alcohol Tolerance
Have you noticed that some people get drunk with two bottles of beer while some do not get drunk easily?
It is because not all people have a similar tolerance for alcohol.
However, a sad reality is that those who have a high tolerance for alcohol are prone to problematic drinking, binge drinking, chronic drinking, and alcohol intoxication.
Alcohol resistance can lead to alcohol dependence, which may lead to alcohol poisoning and severe alcohol use disorder.
Read: What Time Do They Stop Selling Beer in Texas?
Empty Stomach
An empty stomach can make you legally drunk easily, so make sure to eat something before you drink beer.
Drinking water or eating while drinking alcohol can help slow down the rate of getting drunk.
Alcohol enters your bloodstream through your stomach. The blood alcohol content will slowly increase if you eat something before you drink alcohol.
Medication
Combining alcohol and medicines can be bad for your health. It may increase the risk of complications like liver damage, heart problems, internal bleeding, depression, and impaired breathing.
Doctors do not encourage drinking alcohol while on medication, but people under medication should get drunk easily.
Medicines are drugs, so when combined with alcohol, they may create bad effects on a person’s body, such as impaired judgment and weak motor skills.
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Rate of Consumption
Unlike pure alcohol, beer does not contain high ABV, so it is easier and faster to consume.
But did you know that once you consume alcohol faster, your blood alcohol levels quickly rise?
There’s a rule of thumb that a beer an hour will not get you drunk, but it only works for a couple of hours.
Expect that if you consume two bottles per hour, your BAC will spike up. But how much does a case of beer weigh?
Mood & Lack of Sleep
Based on studies, mood and lack of sleep may affect intoxication, especially if you take birth control pills.
Slight mood changes occur at BAC .02-0.05, and at about 0.07, your mood begins to deteriorate.
If you feel depressed or have anxiety, your mood and lack of sleep may trigger you to drink more beer and get drunk easily.
Moreso, your emotion can affect the process of alcohol in your stomach.
Read: Types of IPA Beers
How To Tell When You’re Already Drunk From Beer
You will know if you are drunk from beer when your motor skills do not function 100%.
At 0.08% BAC, your brain, muscle, and nervous system will be affected. You are legally drunk if your BAC is over 0.08% in Canada and the US.
At this point, you may feel good, and your mood is upbeat. Your muscle coordination diminishes, your reflexes are slow, and you might sway a bit.
Read: How Much is a Keg of Beer?
Tips On How Not To Get Drunk Fast
- Never drink beer with an empty stomach because your bloodstream will absorb the alcohol faster and get you drunk fast.
- Space out your drinks because drinking quickly can make you drunk easily.
- Food and water can be your friend because it helps slow down the effect of alcohol on your system.
How To Calculate The Number of Beers To Get Drunk
You can use a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) calculator to help you calculate the number of beers to get you drunk and the average percentage of alcohol in your body.
The BAC chart data will determine the alcohol present in your bloodstream.
Read: Most Affordable Beer To Drink
BAC Chart for Men
| Approximate BAC % | |||||||||
| 12 oz Beer
5% ABV | Weight in Pounds | Remarks | |||||||
| 100 | 120 | 140 | 160 | 180 | 200 | 220 | 240 | ||
| 0 | .00 | .00 | .00 | .00 | .00 | .00 | .00 | .00 | Safe Driving LImit |
| 1 | .04 | .03 | .03 | .02 | .02 | .02 | .02 | .02 | Driving Skills Compromised |
| 2 | .08 | .06 | 0.5 | 0.5 | .04 | .04 | .03 | .03 | |
| 3 | .11 | .09 | .08 | .07 | .06 | .06 | .05 | .05 | Potential
Penalties |
| 4 | .15 | .12 | .11 | .09 | .08 | .08 | .07 | .06 | |
| 5 | .19 | .16 | .13 | .12 | .11 | .09 | .09 | .08 | Legally Drunk /Intoxicated |
| 6 | .23 | .19 | .16 | .14 | .13 | .11 | .10 | .09 | |
| 7 | .26 | .22 | .19 | .16 | .15 | .13 | .12 | .11 | Penalties |
| 8 | .30 | .25 | .21 | .19 | .17 | .15 | .14 | .13 | |
| 9 | .34 | .28 | .24 | .21 | .19 | .17 | .15 | .14 | |
| 10 | .38 | .31 | .27 | .23 | .21 | .19 | .17 | .16 | Fatal |
*Based on College of Saint Benedict-Saint John’s University data.
BAC Chart for Women
| Approximate BAC % | ||||||||||
| 12 oz Beer
5% ABV | Weight in Pounds | Remarks | ||||||||
| 90 | 100 | 120 | 140 | 160 | 180 | 200 | 220 | 240 | ||
| 0 | .00 | .00 | .00 | .00 | .00 | .00 | .00 | .00 | .00 | Safe Driving LImit |
| 1 | .05 | .05 | .04 | .03 | .03 | .03 | .02 | .02 | .02 | Driving Skills Compromised |
| 2 | .10 | .09 | .08 | .07 | .06 | .05 | .05 | .04 | .04 | |
| 3 | .15 | .14 | .11 | .10 | .09 | .08 | .07 | .06 | .06 | Potential
Penalties |
| 4 | .20 | .16 | .15 | .13 | .11 | .10 | .09 | .08 | .08 | |
| 5 | .25 | .23 | .19 | .16 | .14 | .13 | .11 | .10 | .09 | Legally Drunk /Intoxicated |
| 6 | .30 | .27 | .23 | .19 | .17 | .15 | .14 | .12 | .11 | |
| 7 | .35 | .32 | .27 | .23 | .20 | .18 | .16 | .14 | .13 | Penalties |
| 8 | .40 | .36 | .30 | .26 | .23 | .20 | .19 | .17 | .15 | |
| 9 | .45 | .41 | .34 | .29 | .26 | .23 | .20 | .19 | .17 | |
| 10 | .51 | .45 | .38 | .32 | .29 | .25 | .23 | .21 | .19 | Fatal |
*Based on College of Saint Benedict-Saint John’s University data.
How Long Does Being Drunk Last?
It may take you about six hours before your drunkenness wears off.
However, you must remember that even if you don’t feel drunk anymore, you may still be considered legally drunk.
If you are driving, you may blow over the legal limit if you exceed 0.08, so it would be best not to drive even after six hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can 2 beers get you drunk?
Whether two beers can result in feeling intoxicated varies significantly from person to person. Factors such as individual tolerance, body weight, metabolism, and the rate of alcohol consumption all play a role in determining the effects of alcohol.
For some individuals, consuming two beers may lead to noticeable intoxication, particularly if they have a lower tolerance or consume the beverages quickly. However, others may not experience significant effects from the same amount of alcohol.
It’s crucial to drink responsibly, be aware of your own limits, and consider factors like food consumption and hydration when consuming alcohol to avoid overindulgence and potential negative outcomes.
Is 4 beers considered drunk?
The degree of intoxication resulting from consuming four beers can vary depending on several factors, including individual differences in tolerance, body weight, metabolism, and the alcohol content of the beer. For many people, consuming four beers within a short period may lead to feelings of intoxication, impaired judgment, and a decrease in coordination.
However, the threshold for feeling drunk can differ from person to person. It’s essential to recognize your own limits and monitor your alcohol consumption to avoid excessive drinking and the potential consequences associated with intoxication, such as impaired decision-making and increased risk of accidents or injuries.
Responsible drinking practices, such as pacing yourself, alternating alcoholic beverages with water, and avoiding drinking games or peer pressure, can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable drinking experience.
Can 5% alcohol get you drunk?
Alcohol content is a significant factor in determining how quickly and intensely you may become drunk. A beverage with 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), such as many standard beers, can contribute to intoxication if consumed in sufficient quantities. However, the effects of alcohol vary from person to person, and factors such as body weight, tolerance, and rate of consumption also play a role.
While a single beverage with 5% ABV may not typically lead to significant intoxication for most individuals, consuming multiple servings or drinking quickly can increase the likelihood of feeling drunk. It’s essential to pace yourself, drink responsibly, and be aware of your limits when consuming alcohol.
In summary, the impact of alcohol on your level of intoxication depends on various factors, including the number of drinks consumed, the alcohol content of those drinks, your body weight, tolerance, and metabolism. It’s essential to drink responsibly, know your limits, and avoid driving or engaging in other activities that require full cognitive function if you have been drinking. If you’re unsure about your alcohol tolerance or have concerns about drinking, it’s best to err on the side of caution and moderate your consumption accordingly.
Is 3 beers a lot?
The perception of whether three beers is considered a substantial amount varies depending on individual factors such as tolerance, body weight, metabolism, and drinking habits. For some individuals, consuming three beers may not result in significant intoxication or adverse effects, particularly if spaced out over a prolonged period and accompanied by food consumption and adequate hydration.
However, for others, especially those with lower alcohol tolerance or who are not accustomed to drinking alcohol regularly, three beers may lead to noticeable intoxication, impaired judgment, and a decrease in coordination.
It’s essential to drink responsibly, be mindful of your own limits, and consider factors such as alcohol content and personal health when consuming alcohol to avoid overindulgence and potential negative outcomes.
Is 6 beers a lot?
Whether six beers is considered a substantial amount depends on various factors, including individual tolerance, body weight, metabolism, and drinking habits. For many people, consuming six beers within a short period may lead to significant intoxication, impaired judgment, and a decrease in coordination.
This level of alcohol consumption exceeds the recommended limits for moderate drinking and may increase the risk of adverse health effects, such as alcohol poisoning, liver damage, and accidents or injuries. It’s essential to recognize your own limits and monitor your alcohol intake to avoid excessive drinking and potential harm to your health and well-being.
If you’re unsure about your alcohol consumption or have concerns about drinking, it’s best to err on the side of caution and moderate your consumption accordingly.
Will 2 beers a day hurt?
Moderate alcohol consumption, including two beers per day for some individuals, may not necessarily cause harm to everyone. However, it’s essential to consider individual factors such as overall health, medical history, and lifestyle when assessing the potential risks and benefits of alcohol consumption.
While some research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may have certain health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease, excessive or regular drinking can increase the risk of various health problems, including liver disease, alcohol dependency, and certain cancers.
It’s crucial to drink responsibly, be aware of your own limits, and consider factors such as alcohol content, personal health goals, and potential interactions with medications when consuming alcohol. If you have concerns about your alcohol consumption or its impact on your health, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and recommendations.
Is 5% alcohol a beer?
Yes, a beverage with 5% alcohol by volume (ABV) is typically classified as beer. Beer is a fermented beverage made from grains, such as barley, hops, water, and yeast. The alcohol content of beer can vary widely depending on factors such as brewing techniques, ingredients, and style.
Many standard beers have alcohol content ranging from about 4% to 6% ABV, with some variations falling below or exceeding this range. A beverage with 5% ABV is considered to be within the typical range for beer and is commonly found in many commercially available beer brands.
How long does drunk last?
The duration of intoxication, or being drunk, can vary widely depending on individual factors such as body weight, tolerance to alcohol, metabolism, the amount of alcohol consumed, and other factors like food consumption and hydration.
Generally, the effects of alcohol typically begin to be felt within minutes to hours after consumption, with peak intoxication occurring within 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the rate of alcohol absorption and metabolism.
The effects of being drunk can last for several hours, gradually diminishing as the body metabolizes and eliminates the alcohol from the bloodstream. However, factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed, the presence of other substances, and individual differences in metabolism can influence how long someone feels drunk.
So, How Many Beers To Get Drunk?
Generally, an average-sized man will need four to five beers to get drunk, while an average-sized woman will need two to four beers. The alcohol absorption and body reaction to alcohol vary depending on the weight and height of a person.
Getting drunk depends on factors like gender, consumption rate, and lifestyle. Men metabolize and absorb alcohol differently than women because they do not eliminate alcohol faster than women.
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