Alcohol Content Comparison: Beer, Wine, and Whiskey

What is the difference in alcohol content between a 12 oz. can of beer, a 5 oz. glass of wine, and a 1-1/2 ounce shot of whiskey?

There is no difference in the amount of alcohol between a 12 oz. can of beer, a 5 oz. glass of wine, or a 1-1/2 ounce shot of whiskey. However, there is a difference in the total volume of each beverage consumed.

Alcohol Content Breakdown

Beer: A standard 12 oz. can of beer typically contains about 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), which equates to approximately 0.6 oz. of alcohol.

Wine: The alcohol content in a 5 oz. glass of wine can vary depending on the type, with an average ABV between 12% and 15%. Using 13% ABV as an example, a 5 oz. glass of wine would contain around 0.65 oz. of alcohol.

Whiskey: A 1-1/2 ounce shot of whiskey usually has an ABV between 40% and 50%. With 45% ABV as an example, the shot of whiskey would contain approximately 0.675 oz. of alcohol.

While the amount of alcohol is the same across the three beverages, the concentration of alcohol varies. This means that a 12 oz. can of beer contains less alcohol compared to a 5 oz. glass of wine or a 1-1/2 ounce shot of whiskey.