WDR minimum price and unit calculator

The Government published their Alcohol Strategy on 23 March 2012.

One of the central elements is the planned introduction of minimum pricing.

A 10 week consultation was launched on 28 November 2012 around the implementation of a 45p minimum unit pricing regime.

It is important that everyone can accurately calculate a minimum price, so we have developed a simple 3 step process to help you work out minimum prices using our minimum price and unit calculator.

How to use the WDR calculator
1. Input your package type : size of can, bottle or measure (eg 440ml) and then input how many there are in a multi-pack. Put 1 if just a single item.
2. Input the alcohol strength (ABV) – it will be on the bottle/can (or choose from the examples on this page).
3. Input the minimum price set by the Government or local council (assuming minimum pricing is legal)

Press calculate to see both the number of units of alcohol and the minimum retail price based on your selection!

ABV of popular brands
The ABV and typical size of a selection of the leading brands have been set out on this page to help you work out how many units are in your favourite drink and what it would cost if minimum pricing were ever to be introduced.

It works for pub prices too
We have included measures that you find in a pub such as 25ml for a single shot of spirits, a pint (568ml) for beer, lager, cider or Guinness.

A glass of wine is usually 125ml, 175ml or 250ml and a bottle is typically 750ml.

Drinks with mixers should be calculated by the amount and strength of the spirit included; eg double vodka and Red Bull = 25ml x 2.

However be aware that the minimum price for drinking in a pub or bar may be set at a much higher level than that used in a supermarket, to reflect the different ways that alcohol is bought and consumed.

What minimum price should be used?
Here are a few suggestions :
Home Office consultation November 2012 : 45p per unit
David Cameron 23 March 2012 : 40p per unit
Scottish Government May 2012 : 50p per unit
Sir Liam Donaldson (ex Chief Medical Officer) : 50p per unit
Most commentators and analysts : 50p per unit
Manchester City council : 50p per unit
Northern Ireland Assembly proposals : 40-70p

Note : we have made every effort to keep the ABV data up to date. However we do not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions – see our Website terms of use

More information on responsible drinking can be found at