AUDIT-C
Complete the AUDIT-C screening test with three WHO-validated questions. Get total score (0-12), gender-specific risk level, and per-question breakdown.
About This Calculator
The AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test – Consumption) calculator is a three-question screening tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to identify hazardous drinking patterns and potential alcohol use disorders. It is one of the most widely used brief alcohol screening instruments in primary care settings across India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and globally.
The AUDIT-C asks three targeted questions about alcohol consumption: the frequency of drinking, the typical number of standard drinks consumed on a drinking day, and the frequency of heavy episodic drinking (six or more drinks on one occasion). Each question is scored from 0 to 4, producing a total score ranging from 0 to 12. The total score is interpreted using gender-specific thresholds — 3 or higher for women and 4 or higher for men indicates hazardous or harmful alcohol use. Scores of 8 or more suggest a high likelihood of alcohol dependence.
How the scoring works: Question 1 (frequency) uses a 5-point scale from Never (0 points) to 4+ times per week (4 points). Question 2 (quantity) scores from 1–2 drinks (0 points) to 10+ drinks (4 points). Question 3 (binge drinking) scores from Never (0 points) to Daily or almost daily (4 points). The three scores are summed for a total AUDIT-C score.
Regional notes: The AUDIT-C is used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US, the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India as a validated screening tool in primary care. Standard drink definitions vary by country: 14 g of alcohol in the US, 8 g in the UK, and approximately 10 g in India. Despite these differences, the AUDIT-C scoring system remains consistent across regions as it uses ordinal response categories rather than absolute alcohol volumes.
Important disclaimer: This calculator provides reference information based on the WHO AUDIT-C guidelines. Results should be verified by a healthcare professional. It is not a diagnostic tool and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AUDIT-C alcohol screening test?
The AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption) is a three-question screening tool developed by the World Health Organization to identify hazardous drinking patterns and potential alcohol use disorders. It asks about frequency of alcohol consumption, typical quantity consumed, and frequency of heavy episodic drinking.
How is the AUDIT-C score interpreted?
The AUDIT-C score ranges from 0 to 12. A score of 0 indicates abstinence. For men, a score of 4 or higher suggests hazardous or harmful drinking. For women, a score of 3 or higher suggests hazardous or harmful drinking. Scores of 8 or higher indicate a high likelihood of alcohol use disorder and warrant professional evaluation.
What gender-specific thresholds does the AUDIT-C use?
The AUDIT-C uses different screening thresholds by gender: for women, a score of 3 or more is considered positive for hazardous drinking; for men, the threshold is 4 or more. This difference accounts for biological differences in alcohol metabolism and body composition between men and women.
Can I rely on this calculator for medical diagnosis?
No. This calculator is for educational and reference purposes only. It uses standard AUDIT-C scoring validated by the World Health Organization, but results are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
How accurate is the AUDIT-C screening tool?
The AUDIT-C is a well-validated screening tool with sensitivity of approximately 90% and specificity of approximately 80% for detecting heavy drinking when the appropriate gender-specific threshold is used. It is widely used in primary care settings worldwide by the WHO, CDC, NHS, and health organizations across India, the US, and the UK.
What is considered a standard drink in the AUDIT-C?
A standard drink contains roughly 10 grams of pure alcohol. In the US this equals 14 grams (0.6 oz), in the UK 8 grams, and in India approximately 10 grams. Examples include a 12 oz (355 ml) beer at 5% ABV, a 5 oz (150 ml) glass of wine at 12% ABV, or 1.5 oz (44 ml) of distilled spirits at 40% ABV.
What should I do if my AUDIT-C score is high?
If your AUDIT-C score is 8 or above, or if your score exceeds the gender-specific threshold (3+ for women, 4+ for men), consider discussing your drinking patterns with a healthcare provider. Many resources are available including primary care physicians, counselors, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) worldwide, NHS alcohol services in the UK, and SAMHSA helpline (1-800-662-4357) in the US.
How is the AUDIT-C different from the full AUDIT test?
The AUDIT-C consists of the first three consumption questions of the full 10-question AUDIT test. It focuses specifically on alcohol consumption patterns rather than dependence symptoms and alcohol-related problems. The AUDIT-C is briefer and ideal for initial screening, while the full AUDIT provides a more comprehensive assessment including dependence and harm indicators.