AUDIT-C Alcohol Screening Calculator
The AUDIT-C is a three-item alcohol-use screen scored from 0 to 12, taken from the first three questions of the AUDIT. It asks about frequency of drinking, typical quantity, and frequency of heavy episodes. A score of 4 or more in men and 3 or more in women suggests hazardous drinking.
Quick answer
The AUDIT-C is a three-item alcohol-use screen scored from 0 to 12, made up of the first three AUDIT questions on drinking frequency, typical quantity and frequency of heavy episodes. A score of 4 or more in men, or 3 or more in women, is a positive screen for hazardous or harmful drinking and prompts a fuller assessment.
AUDIT-C questions
A βstandard drinkβ varies by country (about 14 g of alcohol in the US, 8 g in the UK) β use your local definition.
Negative screen β score below 4 for men
The AUDIT-C total is 0/12: negative screen β score below 4 for men.
A positive screen indicates a fuller assessment of alcohol use, which a clinician carries out. The screen does not by itself diagnose an alcohol-use disorder.
How to use the AUDIT-C calculator
- 1Answer the three questions. Choose a 0β4 response for each: how often you drink, how many drinks on a typical day, and how often you have six or more drinks on one occasion.
- 2Select sex for the cut-point. Select male or female so the tool applies the correct threshold (β₯ 4 for men, β₯ 3 for women).
- 3Read the screen result. The tool totals the three items (0β12) and shows whether the screen is positive. A positive screen indicates further assessment, which a clinician carries out.
Medical disclaimer: This is general health information, not medical advice. It does not diagnose or treat any condition, and the results are estimates based on public reference formulas. Always consult a qualified doctor about your individual health. If you think you may have a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
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Book a consultationFrequently asked questions
What AUDIT-C score is positive?β
A total of 4 or more in men, or 3 or more in women, is generally considered a positive screen for hazardous drinking. Higher scores indicate greater likelihood of alcohol-use disorder, but the screen is followed by a fuller assessment.
Why are the cut-points different for men and women?β
The validation work found that lower-volume drinking carries risk at a lower threshold in women, so a cut-point of 3 (versus 4 in men) better balances sensitivity and specificity. A clinician interprets borderline scores in context.
What counts as one standard drink?β
A "drink" in the AUDIT-C means one standard drink, which varies by country (for example, about 14 g of alcohol in the US and 8 g in the UK). Use your local definition so the quantity questions are answered consistently.
Is my data stored?β
No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser; nothing you enter is sent to a server.
Sources & validation
This calculator reproduces the published AUDIT-C score, validated for screening for hazardous or harmful alcohol use.
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