Alcohol by Volume: What 51% ABV Means

51% ABV (alcohol by volume) means 51 mL of pure ethanol per 100 mL of liquid.

Calculation

Volume of ethanol = Total volume × (ABV / 100)

• 100 mL of 51% ABV = 51 mL ethanol + 49 mL water/other.
• 750 mL bottle = 382.5 mL ethanol.
• Standard drink (US) = 14 g ethanol ≈ 17.7 mL. 51% ABV shot (44 mL) = 22.4 mL ethanol = 1.27 standard drinks.

Context

• Typical spirits: 40% ABV (80 proof).
• 51% ABV = 102 proof (overproof rum, some whiskies, navy strength gin).
• Higher ABV → faster intoxication, greater toxicity risk.

Drink responsibly. Know your limits.