What is the difference between a standard drink and a serving of alcohol?

A standard drink may not be the same as a serving of alcohol. A standard drink contains 10 grams of pure alcohol (see FAQ: What is a standard drink?). However, because there are no common glass sizes used in Australia, a serving of alcohol may contain more than one standard drink.

Further information about standard drinks is available from the Australian Government Department of Health.

Source: Australian Government Department of Health (2020). Standard drinks guide.

Source: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) (2019). Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol.

Standard Drink: A drink that contains 10 grams (or 12.5 millilitres) of pure alcohol.