EtG Urine Test Calculator: Will You Pass Your Test?
EtG urine tests are commonly used to detect recent alcohol use, with cutoffs often set at 100 or 500 ng/mL. This calculator estimates your urine EtG concentration at the time of testing and shows how it compares with those thresholds.
Editorial note
This educational page is maintained by EtGCalc and reviewed against published EtG research, SAMHSA guidance, and our calculator methodology. It does not provide medical or legal advice.
Enter Your Details
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your sex, weight, drink count, drink type, and time since your last drink. The calculator estimates your EtG level and compares it with common 100 ng/mL and 500 ng/mL cutoffs. For a broader explanation, read our EtG calculation guide.
1How EtG Urine Tests Work
EtG is a direct alcohol metabolite that can remain detectable in urine after ethanol itself is gone. Labs measure EtG concentration in nanograms per milliliter and compare the result with a cutoff.
A positive result does not always mean heavy drinking. Interpretation depends on the level, the cutoff, timing, and whether confirmatory markers such as EtS are included.
- EtG measures a metabolite, not active intoxication
- Urine concentration can vary by hydration
- Programs may use different cutoffs
2Urine vs Hair vs Blood EtG Tests
Urine EtG is the most common short-window test. Blood is less common for routine monitoring, while hair testing is used for longer historical windows.
This calculator is designed for urine EtG because urine cutoffs and short-term clearance questions are the most common user need.
Scope
Use this page for urine EtG estimates. Hair testing and blood testing require different interpretation.
3What Your Result Means
Below 100 ng/mL is generally treated as negative. A 100-500 ng/mL result is often a low-positive or gray-zone range. Above 500 ng/mL is positive for most standard programs.
Context matters. If a result is unexpected, confirmatory testing and professional interpretation are more useful than guessing from a generic chart.
- Below 100 ng/mL: generally negative
- 100-500 ng/mL: gray zone at many programs
- Above 500 ng/mL: positive at standard cutoff
Urine Cutoff Reference
| Scenario | Estimate | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Below 100 ng/mL | Negative | Below strict cutoff |
| 100-500 ng/mL | Gray zone | Positive only at stricter cutoff |
| 500-1,000 ng/mL | Positive | Above standard cutoff |
| 1,000+ ng/mL | High positive | Usually recent significant use |
Frequently Asked Questions
What cutoff do urine EtG tests use?
Common cutoffs are 100 ng/mL and 500 ng/mL. The testing program decides which threshold applies.
Is urine EtG the same as a breathalyzer?
No. Breath tests measure current alcohol. EtG urine tests detect a metabolite after alcohol has been processed.
Can hydration affect a urine EtG test?
Yes. Urine concentration can shift results, and labs may check creatinine or specific gravity for dilution.
What does low positive mean?
A low positive usually refers to the 100-500 ng/mL range, where interpretation can depend on program policy and context.
Does this calculator guarantee a pass?
No. It is an educational estimate based on average kinetics, not a lab result.
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Medical & Legal Disclaimer
Not Medical Advice
EtGCalc does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Talk with a qualified healthcare provider about alcohol use, metabolism, testing concerns, or recovery.
Not Legal Advice
EtG testing can affect probation, custody, licensing, and employment decisions. Consult a licensed attorney or your testing program for legal questions.
If You Need Support
In the United States, SAMHSA's National Helpline is 1-800-662-4357. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Calculator output is an estimate, not a test prediction. Individual metabolism, hydration, kidney function, genetics, specimen handling, and lab cutoff policy can change real results. See our methodology and sources.
References
- 1SAMHSA. The Role of Biomarkers in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders, 2012 Revision.
Used for biomarker context, cutoff interpretation, and incidental exposure cautions.
- 2Jatlow et al. Ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate assays in clinical trials, 2014.
Used for urinary EtG and EtS kinetics after alcohol exposure.
- 3McDonell et al. Using ethyl glucuronide in urine to detect alcohol use, 2015.
Used for EtG detection window context in clinical monitoring populations.
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