Size Matters

Plastic cups are pretty common at parties. The cups come in different sizes and shapes, so it can be difficult to estimate the number of standard drinks they hold.

Here's a photo of two plastic cups that are frequently used at college parties:

Image showing two typical party cups and how one standard drink measures into each style. A red party cup filled to about an inch of the brim contains one standard drink of beer. A red party cup filled a little less than half way with wine contains one standard drink. A red party cup filled about a quarter of an inch with liquor contains one standard drink. A clear party cup filled to about 3/4 of an inch from the brim with beer contains one standard drink. A clear party cup filled a little less than half way with wine contains one standard drink. A clear party cup filled about 3/4 of an inch with liquor contains one standard drink.

The red cup is 18.5 ounces (548 mL) and the clear cup is 16 ounces (473 mL). The white lines indicate the standard drink sizes for beer, wine, and liquor on each cup.

Next: Alcohol By Volume (ABV)