EtG Levels Chart: Visual Reference by Drinks, Time & Cutoff
Most people search "EtG levels chart" because they want one thing: a picture that shows when they'll be clear. Here it is — with the math behind it.
Quick answer
EtG levels below 100 ng/mL are generally treated as negative. Levels from 100-500 ng/mL are a low-positive gray zone that depends heavily on the program cutoff. Levels above 500 ng/mL are commonly treated as positive for recent alcohol exposure, while levels above 1,000 ng/mL usually indicate heavier or more recent drinking.
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.
Interactive EtG Decay Chart
Estimated EtG concentration over time by drinking level. Reference lines show common 500 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL cutoffs.
How to Read This Chart
Each line represents a drinking scenario. The vertical axis shows EtG concentration in ng/mL. The horizontal axis shows hours since your last drink.
2 Drinks (Light)
Clears 500 ng/mL in ~10 hours. Clears 100 ng/mL in ~17 hours.
4 Drinks (Moderate)
Clears 500 ng/mL in ~13 hours. Clears 100 ng/mL in ~20 hours.
6 Drinks (Heavy)
Clears 500 ng/mL in ~15 hours. Clears 100 ng/mL in ~22 hours.
10 Drinks (Binge)
Clears 500 ng/mL in ~18 hours. Clears 100 ng/mL in ~25 hours.
EtG Levels Reference Table
The table below shows estimated EtG levels at key time intervals for each drinking scenario. All estimates assume a 180 lb male metabolizing alcohol at the average rate.
| Hours | 2 Drinks | 4 Drinks | 6 Drinks | 10 Drinks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak (~3h) | ~2,700 | ~5,400 | ~8,100 | ~13,500 |
| 6 hours | ~1,700 | ~3,400 | ~5,100 | ~8,500 |
| 12 hours | ~340 | ~680 | ~1,020 | ~1,700 |
| 18 hours | ~68 | ~135 | ~200 | ~340 |
| 24 hours | <50 | ~54 | ~80 | ~135 |
| 36 hours | <50 | <50 | <50 | <50 |
Values are approximate. Green = below 100 ng/mL. Amber = 100-500 ng/mL. Red = above 500 ng/mL.
SAMHSA EtG Level Interpretation Guide
Below 100 ng/mL — Negative
No significant alcohol exposure detected. This is a pass at any cutoff level.
100 - 500 ng/mL — Low Positive (Gray Zone)
May indicate light-to-moderate drinking 1-3 days prior, or heavy incidental exposure. Positive at 100 ng/mL cutoff, negative at 500. Learn about the gray zone →
500 - 1,000 ng/mL — Positive
Strong indication of recent alcohol consumption within the past 24-48 hours. Positive at all standard cutoffs.
Above 1,000 ng/mL — High Positive
Definitive evidence of heavy recent alcohol use, typically within the past 12-24 hours. No ambiguity at this level.
Why Your EtG Levels May Differ From the Chart
The chart above models an "average" 180 lb male. Your actual levels can vary by ±30% or more due to:
Body Weight
Heavier people distribute alcohol across more body water, producing lower peak EtG. See our calculation guide.
Biological Sex
Females have a lower Widmark r factor (0.55 vs 0.68), resulting in higher peak BAC and EtG from the same drinks.
Liver Function
Compromised liver function can significantly slow EtG elimination. Chronic alcohol use may affect enzyme activity.
Hydration Level
Dehydration concentrates urine, producing higher ng/mL readings. Overhydration can dilute, triggering a lab flag.
Tip: Because of this variation, always add a 30% safety margin to any estimate. If the chart says 18 hours to clear, plan for at least 24. Read more about safety margins in our probation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are normal EtG levels?
An EtG level below 100 ng/mL is generally considered negative. Levels between 100-500 ng/mL fall in the "low positive" or gray zone, while levels above 500 ng/mL indicate recent drinking, and levels above 1,000 ng/mL suggest heavy recent use.
How fast do EtG levels drop?
EtG has a half-life of approximately 2.5-3 hours. The concentration drops by roughly half every 2.5-3 hours after peaking. For example, 10,000 ng/mL would drop to ~5,000 after 3 hours, ~2,500 after 6 hours, and so on.
What EtG level is considered a positive test?
It depends on the cutoff used. At the standard 500 ng/mL cutoff (most courts and workplaces), levels above 500 are positive. At the stricter 100 ng/mL cutoff (some clinical programs), anything above 100 is positive. Learn about clearing these cutoffs →
What does an EtG level of 5,000 ng/mL mean?
An EtG level of 5,000 ng/mL indicates recent, significant alcohol consumption within the past 12-24 hours. It is well above both standard cutoffs and classified as a high positive by SAMHSA.
Can hand sanitizer or mouthwash affect my EtG levels?
Heavy use of ethanol-containing products can produce transient, low-level EtG elevations, sometimes exceeding 100 ng/mL but rarely exceeding 500 ng/mL. These are typically short-lived.
Disclaimer: This chart is for educational purposes only. EtG estimates are based on the Widmark formula and an average EtG half-life of 3 hours. Actual EtG levels vary based on individual metabolism, liver function, hydration, genetics, and other factors. This is not medical or legal advice. Never rely solely on a chart to make decisions about testing compliance. When in doubt, allow more time. Consult a healthcare professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Related Reading
For your specific input, use the live EtG Calculator instead of a static reference chart.
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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