ETG Detection Time Chart

That's the classic exponential decay pattern. EtG levels drop rapidly at first (when levels are high), then slow down as you approach the cutoffs. Think of it like a ball rolling down a hill — it starts fast and gradually slows. The chart is capped at 1,500 ng/mL to focus on the range that matters most: where you'll cross the test thresholds.

Most workplace drug tests use 500 ng/mL — that's the 'standard' cutoff shown in gray. Probation, court-ordered testing, and zero-tolerance programs often use 100 ng/mL — that's the 'strict' cutoff shown in red. If you're unsure, assume the stricter one. It's better to wait longer than to fail.

Smart thinking. This chart shows averages based on medical research, but your body might be faster or slower. Factors like liver health, body weight, hydration, and genetics all play a role. Our recommendation: add 20-30% buffer time to whatever the chart shows. If it says 24 hours, wait 30. If it says 48 hours, wait 60.

Yes! The faded lines in the background show 2, 4, 8, and 12 drink scenarios. Your current selection is the bold line. This helps you see how drinking more dramatically extends your detection window — 4 drinks doesn't just double the time from 2 drinks, it adds many more hours.

The 3-hour half-life is a conservative average from medical studies. Some research shows 2-3 hours, others up to 4 hours for certain people. We use 3 hours because it's middle-ground and matches what most labs assume. Individual variation can be significant — that's why we always recommend buffer time.

Many people believe that drinking gallons of water will 'flush' EtG out of their system faster. This is a myth. Water consumption does not speed up your body's metabolic breakdown of EtG. It only dilutes your urine. While this might temporarily lower the concentration of EtG (ng/mL) in a single sample, it comes with a major risk. Modern labs routinely check for creatinine levels and specific gravity. If your sample is too diluted (watery), it will be flagged as 'dilute' or 'invalid.' In many court or probation settings, a dilute result is considered a failed test or a violation. The only reliable way to clear EtG is to give your body enough time to metabolize it naturally.

The term '80-hour test' is largely a marketing slogan that has caused a lot of unnecessary panic. While it is technically possible for EtG to be detected up to 80 hours (or roughly 3.5 days) after drinking, this typically only applies to extreme cases of chronic, heavy binge drinking. For most people who have had a moderate amount to drink, the detection window is significantly shorter — often between 24 and 48 hours. As you can see on the chart, clearing the standard 500ng cutoff usually happens well before the 3-day mark. However, because biological outliers exist, the 80-hour window is used as a maximum safety warning, not a guaranteed detection period for every single drink.

This calculator uses a standard 3-hour half-life, which is the accepted medical average. However, you are a unique individual, not a statistic. Several biological factors can shift your personal timeline: Liver Health — A healthy liver processes alcohol significantly faster than a damaged or fatty liver. Metabolism — People with naturally faster metabolic rates will clear EtG quicker. Body Composition — Your weight and body fat percentage affect your initial peak levels. Frequency of Drinking — Chronic daily drinkers may process alcohol differently than occasional social drinkers. Age — Metabolism generally slows down as we get older. Because of these personal variables, we always strongly recommend adding a safety buffer of extra time to whatever the chart predicts.