BAC vs. Promille: The Ultimate Conversion Guide
BAC% × 10 = promille. So 0.08% = 0.8‰. Use the calculator below to see your exact BAC in both units.
Calculate BAC in Both Units →If you search for blood alcohol limits across Europe, you will encounter two different units: BAC percentage (%) and promille (‰). They measure the same thing but on different scales, and the confusion between them can lead to serious misunderstandings about legal limits and impairment levels.
What Is BAC? What Is Promille?
- BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) as %: Grams of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Written as a percentage. The US, UK, Australia, and Canada use this system. Legal limit: 0.08% in the US.
- Promille (‰): Grams of alcohol per 1,000ml (1 litre) of blood. Written with the ‰ symbol. Germany, Poland, Austria, and many other European countries use this system. Legal limit: 0.5‰ in Germany, 0.2‰ in Poland.
The critical insight: promille values are exactly 10 times larger than BAC % values. 0.08% = 0.8‰. There is no other conversion factor — just multiply or divide by 10.
The Simple Conversion Formula
BAC% × 10 = Promille (‰) | Promille (‰) ÷ 10 = BAC%
- 0.05% BAC = 0.5‰ promille
- 0.08% BAC = 0.8‰ promille
- 0.10% BAC = 1.0‰ promille
- 0.20% BAC = 2.0‰ promille
The Alcomato BAC calculator shows your result in both BAC% and promille so you always have the right number for your country.
Calculate Your BAC in Both Units →Promille to BAC Conversion Table (0.1‰ to 3.0‰)
| Promille (‰) | BAC (%) | Impairment Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1‰ | 0.010% | Nearly undetectable |
| 0.2‰ | 0.020% | Poland's legal DUI limit |
| 0.3‰ | 0.030% | Mild relaxation |
| 0.5‰ | 0.050% | Germany/EU legal limit; early impairment |
| 0.8‰ | 0.080% | US/UK legal driving limit |
| 1.0‰ | 0.100% | Clearly impaired; coordination affected |
| 1.5‰ | 0.150% | Drunk; speech slurred |
| 2.0‰ | 0.200% | Severely impaired |
| 2.5‰ | 0.250% | Risk of blackout |
| 3.0‰ | 0.300% | Life-threatening for many people |
BAC to Promille Table
| BAC (%) | Promille (‰) | Country Context |
|---|---|---|
| 0.02% | 0.2‰ | Poland legal driving limit |
| 0.05% | 0.5‰ | Germany, France, Spain, most EU |
| 0.08% | 0.8‰ | US, UK, Canada, Australia |
| 0.10% | 1.0‰ | Significantly over limit in all countries |
| 0.15% | 1.5‰ | Severely impaired |
| 0.20% | 2.0‰ | Extreme intoxication |
Legal Limits Around the World in Both Units
| Country | Legal Limit (BAC%) | Legal Limit (Promille) | System Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 0.08% | 0.8‰ | BAC % |
| United Kingdom | 0.08% | 0.8‰ | BAC % |
| Germany | 0.05% | 0.5‰ | Promille |
| Poland | 0.02% | 0.2‰ | Promille |
| France | 0.05% | 0.5‰ | Both |
| Australia | 0.05% | 0.5‰ | BAC % |
| Canada | 0.08% | 0.8‰ | BAC % |
| Sweden | 0.02% | 0.2‰ | Promille |
| Norway | 0.02% | 0.2‰ | Promille |
Need to know your promille level before driving in Europe? Use the calculator for an instant estimate in both units.
Check Your Promille Level →Why Google Shows Both Units
When people search "blood alcohol limit Germany" or "legal BAC Poland", search engines return results in the local unit. Google shows promille values for European searches because that is what local laws use. If you are travelling internationally, always check which unit the country uses — a "0.5 limit" means very different things if it is 0.5‰ (0.05% BAC, common in EU) versus 0.5% BAC (which would be dangerously high and is not a real limit anywhere).
For a deeper look at a specific value, see our article on what 0.15 promille means in BAC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 0.5 promille the same as 0.5% BAC?
Absolutely not. 0.5‰ = 0.05% BAC. These look similar but differ by a factor of 10. If you read "the legal limit is 0.5" in a European context, it almost always means 0.5 promille = 0.05% BAC. Confusing these two can lead to a DUI charge — you might think you are fine at 0.05% but in the US the limit is 0.08%, while in Germany it is 0.05% (0.5‰).
Which countries use promille notation?
Germany, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and most of continental Europe use promille. The US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand use BAC%. The underlying measurement is identical — only the scale differs.
What is 0.8 promille in plain language?
0.8‰ = 0.08% BAC — the legal driving limit in the US and UK. At this level, coordination, reaction time, and judgment are all measurably impaired. Most adults reach 0.8‰ after 3–4 standard drinks on an empty stomach, depending on body weight. Use the Alcomato calculator to find your personal threshold.
Not sure which unit applies in your country? The calculator shows both — enter your drinks for an instant answer.
Calculate Your BAC Now →Disclaimer: This article provides educational information only. It does not constitute medical or legal advice. BAC calculators provide estimates, not exact measurements. Individual BAC varies based on numerous factors including body composition, metabolism, food intake, medications, and health conditions. Never rely solely on calculators to determine if you are safe to drive. The only safe BAC for driving is 0.00%. Always use alternative transportation after consuming alcohol. If you struggle with alcohol use, consult a healthcare professional or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.