The question of how much alcohol you need to drink to reach 2 per mille depends on many factors such as body weight, gender, and drinking behavior. In this guide, we explain how to reach various blood alcohol levels like 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 per mille, and how much beer, wine, or spirits you would need to consume to achieve them.

1. What is a Blood Alcohol Level and How is it Calculated?

The blood alcohol level indicates how much alcohol is present in your blood. A blood alcohol level of 1.0 per mille means that there is one gram of alcohol per liter of blood. Various factors influence the blood alcohol level, including:

  • Body Weight: Lighter individuals reach higher blood alcohol levels more quickly.
  • Gender: Women often have higher blood alcohol levels than men with the same amount of alcohol consumption, as their bodies generally contain less fluid.
  • Alcohol Tolerance: People who drink regularly often reach lower blood alcohol levels than those who drink rarely.

2. How Much Alcohol for 0.5 Per Mille?

A blood alcohol level of 0.5 per mille is often associated with mild intoxication, but even at this level, reaction times can be impaired. How much alcohol leads to 0.5 per mille? Let's look at some examples:

  • A man weighing 80 kg needs to drink about 1 liter of beer (approx. 5% ABV) to reach 0.5 per mille.
  • A woman weighing 60 kg reaches 0.5 per mille with about 0.75 liters of beer.
  • Alternatively, the man could drink about 0.4 liters of wine (approx. 12% ABV) or 3 shots of spirits (each 0.02 liters, approx. 40% ABV).

3. How Much Alcohol for 1 Per Mille?

At 1 per mille, intoxication is significantly pronounced. Speech and coordination are noticeably impaired. To reach 1 per mille, a larger amount of alcohol is necessary:

  • A man weighing 80 kg would need to drink about 2 liters of beer or 0.75 liters of wine.
  • For a woman weighing 60 kg, about 1.5 liters of beer or 0.6 liters of wine is sufficient.
  • Alternatively, the man could drink about 6 shots of spirits.

4. 2 Per Mille – How Much Alcohol?

2 per mille is already a very dangerous blood alcohol level. Motor skills are severely impaired, and there is a risk of alcohol poisoning. How much alcohol leads to 2 per mille?

  • A man weighing 80 kg would need to drink about 4 liters of beer or 1.5 liters of wine.
  • A woman weighing 60 kg reaches 2 per mille with about 3 liters of beer or 1.2 liters of wine.
  • Alternatively, the man could drink about 12 shots of spirits to reach 2 per mille.

At 2 per mille, you should stop drinking, as this level can already cause alcohol poisoning.

5. How Much Alcohol for 3 Per Mille?

3 per mille poses a serious health risk. People in this state can lose consciousness or even fall into a coma. The following amounts of alcohol are required to reach 3 per mille:

  • A man weighing 80 kg would need to drink about 6 liters of beer or 2.25 liters of wine.
  • A woman weighing 60 kg reaches 3 per mille with about 4.5 liters of beer or 1.8 liters of wine.
  • A man would need to drink about 18 shots of spirits to reach this level.

3 per mille is life-threatening. If you see someone with such a high blood alcohol level, an emergency medical technician should be called immediately.

6. How Much Alcohol for 4 Per Mille?

At 4 per mille, there is an acute risk to life. This level often leads to respiratory paralysis or circulatory failure. The following amounts of alcohol are required to reach 4 per mille:

  • A man weighing 80 kg would need to drink about 8 liters of beer or 3 liters of wine.
  • A woman weighing 60 kg would reach 4 per mille with about 6 liters of beer or 2.4 liters of wine.
  • The man would need to drink about 24 shots of spirits to reach 4 per mille.

4 per mille can lead to death, especially in individuals without alcohol tolerance. Immediate medical treatment is necessary to save the life of the affected person.

Summary

  • 0.5 Per Mille: About 1 liter of beer or 0.4 liters of wine for an 80 kg man.
  • 1 Per Mille: About 2 liters of beer or 0.75 liters of wine.
  • 2 Per Mille: About 4 liters of beer or 1.5 liters of wine – already life-threatening.
  • 3 Per Mille: About 6 liters of beer or 2.25 liters of wine – serious risk of unconsciousness or coma.
  • 4 Per Mille: About 8 liters of beer or 3 liters of wine – fatal level for most people.

Questions Answered by This Article:

  • 2 Per Mille How Much Alcohol: How much beer, wine, or spirits lead to 2 per mille?
  • Blood Alcohol Levels and Drinks: How much alcohol leads to 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 4 per mille?
  • Alcohol Amounts for 2 Per Mille: At what point does alcohol consumption become life-threatening?
  • At what blood alcohol level is one drunk?