How many vodkas are 2 units? Understanding alcohol measures for your health

October 1, 2025 •

2 min read

According to UK health authorities, a standard 50ml double shot of 40% ABV vodka contains exactly two units of alcohol. Understanding this simple fact is essential for anyone looking to manage their consumption and protect their general health, as the number of units can vary depending on the vodka's strength and the size of the measure.

Quick Summary

A standard 50ml measure of 40% ABV vodka contains two alcohol units. This guide breaks down how to accurately calculate units based on volume and strength for responsible consumption.

Key Points

Standard Measure: A 50ml double shot of 40% ABV vodka contains two alcohol units in the UK.
Calculation is Key: The number of units depends on both the vodka's ABV and the volume poured, so always check the bottle and measure carefully.
Health Guidelines: The UK's low-risk guidelines recommend consuming no more than 14 units per week, spread across multiple days, for both men and women.
Hidden Units: Larger pour sizes and higher ABV percentages can increase unit content significantly, meaning some double shots may contain more than two units.
Responsible Consumption: Strategies like measuring your drinks, alternating with water, and planning drink-free days are crucial for staying within safe limits.

What defines an alcohol unit?

An alcohol unit in the UK represents a standard amount of pure alcohol, specifically 10ml or 8g. This measure helps individuals track their alcohol intake, as the number of units in any drink is determined by its strength (ABV) and volume. Spirits like vodka typically have a high ABV, meaning smaller servings can contain a significant number of units.

The standard double shot of vodka and 2 units

For vodka with a typical 40% ABV, a standard 50ml double shot equals two units. This is calculated using the formula: (Volume x ABV) / 1000 = Units. Thus, (50ml x 40) / 1000 = 2 units. This illustrates how easily a double measure contributes to the recommended weekly alcohol intake.

Calculating units for different vodka measures

Vodka's ABV can vary, as can the size of a standard pour. Using the formula (ABV x Volume in ml) / 1000 helps in accurately calculating units.

For example:

A 25ml single shot of 40% ABV vodka is 1 unit. However, a larger 35ml single measure at the same ABV contains 1.4 units.
A 50ml double shot of 37.5% ABV vodka is 1.875 units.
A 50ml double shot of 45% ABV vodka contains 2.25 units.

These variations emphasize the need to be aware of the specific strength and volume to accurately monitor alcohol consumption.

Comparison table: Vodka units by measure and ABV


Measure	Volume	ABV 37.5%	ABV 40%	ABV 45%
Single shot	25ml	0.94 units	1 unit	1.13 units
Single shot (NI/larger)	35ml	1.31 units	1.4 units	1.58 units
Double shot	50ml	1.88 units	2 units	2.25 units
750ml Bottle	750ml	28.13 units	30 units	33.75 units

Health implications and low-risk drinking guidelines

Excessive alcohol consumption carries significant health risks. The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend limiting intake to no more than 14 units per week, spread over at least three days, with alcohol-free days. Exceeding these limits increases the risk of various health problems.

Potential health risks associated with excessive drinking include:

Short-term: Accidents, alcohol poisoning, and risks associated with unprotected sex.
Long-term: Liver disease, various cancers, heart and circulatory issues, mental health problems, and a weakened immune system.

Tips for responsible drinking

Practicing responsible drinking can help mitigate health risks. Consider these strategies:

Monitor unit intake: Utilize apps or logs to track weekly units.
Measure drinks: Use measuring tools, especially when drinking at home.
Stay hydrated: Drink water between alcoholic beverages.
Eat: Avoid drinking on an empty stomach to slow alcohol absorption.
Choose smaller servings: Opt for single shots or smaller drink sizes.
Include alcohol-free days: Allow your body recovery time.

Conclusion

Understanding that a 50ml double shot of 40% ABV vodka typically contains two units is vital for responsible drinking. However, variations in vodka strength and pour size necessitate checking labels and calculating units accurately. By adhering to low-risk drinking guidelines and employing responsible consumption strategies, individuals can enjoy alcohol while prioritizing their long-term health. For further guidance on responsible drinking, resources like the University of Toledo's Responsible Drinking Tips are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

An alcohol unit is a standard measure defined as 10ml (or 8g) of pure alcohol. It is used in the UK to help people track and understand the amount of alcohol they are consuming.

The number of units in a bottle of vodka depends on its size and ABV. A standard 750ml bottle of 40% ABV vodka contains 30 units, while a 37.5% ABV bottle has just over 28 units.

A double vodka is only 2 units if the spirit has an ABV of 40% and the measure is 50ml. If the vodka is 37.5% ABV, a 50ml double is 1.88 units. The unit count varies with different strengths and pour sizes.

To calculate alcohol units, use the formula: (ABV (%) x Volume in ml) / 1000. This will give you the precise number of units in any alcoholic drink.

The UK's Chief Medical Officers advise that it is safest for both men and women to drink no more than 14 units a week, and to spread this consumption over three or more days.

A UK unit contains 8g of pure alcohol (10ml), while a US standard drink contains 14g of pure alcohol (17.7ml). The US standard drink is therefore equivalent to about 1.75 UK units.

Yes, excessive consumption of any alcoholic drink, including vodka, can lead to numerous short- and long-term health issues. These include liver damage, heart disease, cancer, and mental health problems.