How many units are in cider?
The number of units in cider depends on its strength and amount: by the NHS formula, units = ABV × millilitres ÷ 1,000. A pint of 5.2% cider is about 3 units and a 440 ml can at 5.5% is 2.4 units. The UK guideline is not to drink more than 14 units a week regularly.
Updated
Key facts
- One unit is 10 ml or 8 g of pure alcohol. [1]
- Formula. Units = strength (ABV) × volume (ml) ÷ 1,000. [1]
- UK guideline. Don't regularly drink more than 14 units a week, and spread them over 3 or more days. [1]
How many units are in common cider servings?
| Serving (NHS examples) | Units |
|---|---|
| Pint of lower-strength cider (3.6%) | 2 [1] |
| Bottle of cider (330 ml, 5%) | 1.7 [1] |
| Can of cider (440 ml, 5.5%) | 2.4 [1] |
| Pint of higher-strength cider (5.2%) | 3 [1] |
| 500 ml bottle at 7.5% (calculated) | 3.75 [1] |
Strength varies a lot by style. BJCP's style ranges run from about 3–6% ABV for French cider to 6–9% for English cider and 7–13% for ice cider. [2] [3] Always use the ABV on your bottle.
How do I count units at a tasting or festival?
Small pours add up at a cider festival. Note the ABV and size of each pour and use the formula: a 100 ml sample at 6% is 0.6 units. [1] Units measure alcohol, not energy; calories are covered in how many calories are in cider. We don't give health advice; for questions about alcohol and your health, talk to a doctor or pharmacist, or see the NHS pages.
Related answers: whether pear cider has alcohol · what counts as cider in UK law
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Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.
We don't give health advice. For questions about your health, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
Questions
What is one unit of alcohol?
In the UK, one unit is 10 ml or 8 g of pure alcohol. [1]
How many units are in a 500 ml bottle of cider?
At 5% ABV, 2.5 units; at 7.5%, 3.75 units, using ABV × ml ÷ 1,000. [1]
Should I drink cider if I'm pregnant?
The NHS advises that the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. [4]