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A 180 lb. person is legally intoxicated after consuming three beers. Three beers would likely result in a person of this size having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, which is the legal limit for DUI purposes in most states.
But keep in mind that every person’s body processes alcohol differently. This means that the precise number of beers that it will take to get you drunk depends on several factors.
Some of these factors include your
- age,
- muscle mass,
- body weight, and
- alcohol tolerance.
1. What is the number of beers to make you drunk?
In most states, you are considered per se legally intoxicated if your blood alcohol content is 0.08% or higher.1
The following BAC chart breaks down blood alcohol levels for varying body weights per amount of beers consumed:2
| # Of Beers Consumed | 140 lbs. | 180 lbs. | 220 lbs. |
| 1 | .03 | .03 | .02 |
| 2 | .07 | .05 | .04 |
| 3 | .11 | .08 | .06 |
| 4 | .13 | .10 | .08 |
| 5 | .16 | .13 | .10 |
Based on these numbers, a person who weighs 140 – 180 lbs. is legally intoxicated after consuming three beers.
A person who weighs 220 lbs., however, is legally intoxicated after consuming four beers.
But keep in mind that the above chart provides only approximate values. The reality is that different people will process alcohol differently and there are several factors that will impact how many beers get you drunk.
2. What factors can affect intoxication rates?
All of the following factors can impact the effects of alcohol on your body and your potential level of intoxication:
- muscle mass – the more muscle mass you have, the more beer it will take to get you drunk.
- weight/body fat – you will get drunk faster if you weigh less and have a low percentage of body fat.
- amount of alcohol – you will likely get drunk quicker if you drink a large amount of beer over a short period of time.
- full or empty stomach – alcohol consumption on an empty stomach will result in faster intoxication rates.
- gender – women tend to get drunk more quickly than men.
- alcohol tolerance – you will likely get drunk faster if you are not drinking alcohol on a regular basis.
- height – shorter people will require less alcohol to get drunk than taller people (the reasoning is based on a taller person’s elongated circulatory system).3
Given the above factors, BAC levels are really only one factor to consider when it comes to drinking beer and getting drunk.
Every person’s body is different and the precise number of alcoholic beverages that it will take to get you drunk will largely depend on your:
- individual make-up, and
- drinking habits.
3. What about alcohol by volume?
“Alcohol by volume,” or ABV, is a measurement of how much pure alcohol is in a given drink.
ABV values are often given as a percentage, and you can generally find the ABV of a given beer on its bottle’s label.
In general, the higher the ABV, the more alcohol is found in that particular drink.
Alcohol consumption with beers of a higher ABV will result in quicker intoxication rates when compared to consumption of beers with a lower ABV.
The following are some ABV values for different types of beers:4
| Type of Beer | ABV (%) |
| American Pale Ale | 3.5 to 4.4 |
| Pilsner | 4.1 to 5.3 |
| Double IPA | 7 to 14 |
| Pale Lager | 4 to 6 |
| Budweiser | 5 |
| Coors | 5 |
| Hefeweizen | 4.9 to 5.6 |
Note that craft beers usually have a higher alcohol percentage/beer alcohol content than light beers or regular beers.
4. What are the signs of intoxication?
All of the following are signs that you are becoming intoxicated or have had too many alcoholic drinks:
- confusion,
- poor balance,
- vomiting,
- lack of focus,
- poor judgment,
- irregular breathing,
- passing out, and
- low body temperature.5
5. Are there tips to stay sober?
Yes. The following are all good tips to help ensure that you will not get intoxicated quickly:
- drink beers with lower ABVs,
- sip your drink or drink your beer slowly,
- eat before drinking,
- drink water in between consuming beers,
- add ice to your drink to dilute the alcohol in it,
- avoid ordering another drink before you finish the one you have,
- purchase a portable BAC measuring device to make sure you stay below the legal limit.
Please keep in mind that a first-time DUI offense is usually a misdemeanor. A conviction can result in such penalties as:
- jail time,
- fines,
- a driver’s license suspension, and
- probation.
Legal References:
- See, for example, Florida Statutes 316.193 (2022).
- The source for the chart is the University of Toledo website, “Counseling Center – Blood Alcohol Content.”
- See Pikaar NA, Wedel M, Hermus RJ. Influence of several factors on blood alcohol concentrations after drinking alcohol. Alcohol Alcohol. 1988;23(4):289-97. PMID: 3166629. See also the Stanford University website, “What is BAC?” This web page lists a few other factors that may affect a person’s BAC, including enzyme production and medication (including prescription drugs).
- The source for the chart is the Unknown Brewing website, “How Many Beers to Get Drunk?”
- See Mayo Clinic website, “Alcohol poisoning.”
About the Author
Neil Shouse
A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.
