AUDIT-C Calculator
The AUDIT-C is a brief, three-question screening tool derived from the full Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). It is commonly used in primary care to identify drinking patterns that may be risky or hazardous, so they can be discussed further with a healthcare professional.
How the score is calculated
Each of the three questions covers frequency, typical quantity, and frequency of heavy drinking episodes, each scored 0–4. The three scores are added for a total from 0 to 12. Higher totals suggest a greater likelihood of hazardous drinking, though thresholds are commonly interpreted differently for men and women.
Important limitations
- The AUDIT-C screens for risky drinking patterns; it does not diagnose alcohol use disorder.
- Commonly used cutoffs (e.g., ≥4 for men, ≥3 for women in many clinical settings) vary by guideline and population — this tool reports the general range rather than asserting a single universal cutoff.
- Self-reported alcohol use can be under- or over-estimated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AUDIT-C?
A three-question screening tool for risky or hazardous alcohol consumption, adapted from the longer AUDIT questionnaire.
How is the AUDIT-C scored?
Each of the three questions is scored 0–4 based on your selected answer; the three scores are added for a total from 0 to 12.
Does a high AUDIT-C score mean I have an alcohol use disorder?
No. It flags a pattern worth discussing with a healthcare professional; a diagnosis requires a fuller clinical assessment.
Are the risk thresholds the same for everyone?
Commonly used clinical cutoffs sometimes differ by sex and other factors; discuss your specific result with a professional for personalized context.