AUDIT-C Alcohol Screening Calculator
Score the AUDIT-C, a brief three-question screen for unhealthy alcohol use derived from the full AUDIT questionnaire. Answer how often you drink, how many drinks you have on a typical drinking day, and how often you have six or more drinks at once. The calculator totals your score (0–12) and flags whether it suggests possible at-risk drinking.
Rates and fees change frequently. Always confirm the current figures
with the official authority before relying on this result.
Formula
AUDIT-C score = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 (each 0–4, total 0–12)
- Each of the three questions scores 0 to 4, so the total ranges from 0 to 12.
- A common cut-off for a positive screen is 4 or more for men and 3 or more for women; higher scores indicate a greater likelihood of harmful drinking.
- AUDIT-C is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A positive result means a fuller assessment is warranted.
- A 'standard drink' differs by country; use your local definition (for example ~14 g of pure alcohol in the US).
Example: occasional drinker (male)
Inputs
- How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?: 1
- How many standard drinks on a typical drinking day?: 1
- How often do you have 6 or more drinks on one occasion?: 0
- Sex (for threshold): male
Drinking monthly or less (1), 3–4 drinks on a typical day (1) and never having 6+ at once (0) totals 2, which is below the male threshold of 4, so the screen is negative.
Frequently asked questions
What is the AUDIT-C?
It is a three-item alcohol screening questionnaire, taken from the 10-item AUDIT, used to identify people who may have hazardous drinking or alcohol use disorder.
What score indicates a problem?
Commonly a total of 4 or more in men and 3 or more in women is considered a positive screen, prompting further assessment. Higher scores indicate greater risk.
How are the questions scored?
Each question is scored 0 to 4 based on your answer, and the three scores are added for a total out of 12.
Is a positive AUDIT-C a diagnosis of alcoholism?
No. It is a screening result, not a diagnosis. A positive screen means a healthcare professional should assess your drinking in more detail.
What counts as a standard drink?
It varies by country. In the US a standard drink contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol — roughly a 350 ml beer, 150 ml of wine, or 45 ml of spirits. Use your local guideline.