EtG Alcohol Clearance Calculator
Fast (2 Hours)
Average (3 Hours)
Slow (4 Hours)
100 ng/mL (High Sensitivity)
500 ng/mL (Standard)
1000 ng/mL (Low Sensitivity)
Estimated Current EtG Level: ng/mL
Time to Reach Cutoff: additional hours
Estimated Total Clearance Time: hours from peak
Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only. EtG clearance rates vary significantly based on metabolism, hydration, liver function, and body mass. Never rely on an online calculator for legal or medical compliance.
How the EtG Calculator Works
Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) is a direct metabolite of ethanol. While alcohol itself leaves the bloodstream quickly, EtG can remain detectable in urine for a much longer window, often cited as the "80-hour window." However, for most social drinkers, the detection window is closer to 24–48 hours depending on the cutoff level used by the laboratory.
Our calculator uses the logarithmic decay formula based on the half-life of EtG. Research suggests that the average half-life of EtG in urine is approximately 2 to 3 hours, though it can extend in individuals with slower metabolisms or liver issues.
Understanding the Inputs
- Initial EtG Concentration: This is the peak concentration of EtG in your urine. After a few standard drinks, EtG levels can peak anywhere from 5,000 to 15,000 ng/mL.
- Half-Life: The time it takes for the EtG concentration to reduce by 50%. We use 3 hours as the standard baseline.
- Cutoff Level: Most forensic tests use a 500 ng/mL cutoff to avoid "false positives" from incidental exposure (like mouthwash or hand sanitizer). Highly sensitive tests use a 100 ng/mL cutoff.
Example Calculation
If your peak EtG level was 10,000 ng/mL and you are being tested 24 hours later with a 500 ng/mL cutoff:
- Half-life: 3 hours.
- In 24 hours, the EtG has gone through 8 half-lives (24 / 3 = 8).
- Concentration: 10,000 / (2^8) = 10,000 / 256 = 39.06 ng/mL.
- Result: You would likely pass a 500 ng/mL test, as 39.06 is well below the threshold.
Factors That Affect EtG Clearance
Several physiological factors can speed up or slow down how quickly your body processes EtG:
- Hydration: High water intake can dilute urine, lowering the concentration of EtG, though labs often check for creatinine levels to detect dilution.
- Liver Function: Since EtG is a metabolite produced in the liver, impaired liver function can alter production and clearance rates.
- Body Mass & Metabolism: Individual metabolic rates dictate how fast your body moves through the phases of ethanol metabolism.