Modelo Especial Alcohol Content
Modelo Especial is 4.4% alcohol by volume (ABV). A 12 oz Modelo holds about 0.9 of a standard drink, a little under a regular 5% beer.
Not every Modelo is the same strength. Modelo Negra, the dark lager, is 5.4% ABV, which is stronger than a regular beer, and the light Modelo Oro is 4.0%.
How Many Standard Drinks Are in Modelo Especial?
Modelo Especial has 4.4% ABV, which is 12% less alcohol than a regular 5% beer in the same size glass. Here is how many standard drinks you get by serving size:
| Serving | ABV | Standard drinks |
|---|---|---|
| 12 oz | 4.4% | 0.9 |
| 16 oz | 4.4% | 1.2 |
| 24 oz | 4.4% | 1.8 |
| 32 oz | 4.4% | 2.3 |
| 40 oz | 4.4% | 2.9 |
Modelo Beers and Their ABV
| Beer | ABV | Standard drinks per 12 oz |
|---|---|---|
| Modelo Especial | 4.4% | 0.9 |
| Modelo Negra | 5.4% | 1.1 |
| Modelo Oro | 4.0% | 0.8 |
If you switch between Modelo Especial and Modelo Negra, count them differently: a 12 oz Negra is about 1.1 standard drinks, while a 12 oz Especial is about 0.9.
Modelo Especial BAC Calculator
See your BAC after Modelos, with Modelo Especial already filled in
Open the Modelo BAC Calculator→Modelo Especial vs Other Popular Beers
| Beer | ABV | Standard drinks per 12 oz |
|---|---|---|
| Bud Light | 4.2% | 0.8 |
| Michelob Ultra | 4.2% | 0.8 |
| Corona Extra | 4.6% | 0.9 |
| Modelo Especial | 4.4% | 0.9 |
| Average light beer | 4.2% | 0.8 |
| Regular beer | 5.0% | 1.0 |
For more brands, see our guide to beer alcohol percentage by type and brand. To count any drink, use the standard drink calculator.
How Many Modelos Does It Take to Get Drunk?
That depends on your weight, your sex, and how fast you drink. Enter your weight below to see how many Modelos reach each level.
Actual BAC depends on metabolism, food, and time.
Try our BAC calculator for more detailed tracking
Modelo Especial Alcohol Content FAQ
Is Modelo Negra stronger than Modelo Especial?
Yes. Modelo Negra is 5.4% ABV and Modelo Especial is 4.4%, so a 12 oz Negra has about 23% more alcohol.
What is the alcohol content of Modelo Especial?
Modelo Especial is 4.4% alcohol by volume (ABV). A 12 oz serving has about 0.9 standard drinks.
Is Modelo Especial stronger than regular beer?
No. A regular beer is about 5% ABV, so Modelo Especial has about 12% less alcohol in the same size serving.
How many standard drinks are in a Modelo Especial?
A 12 oz Modelo Especial is 0.9 standard drinks. A 16 oz serving is 1.2 and a 24 oz serving is 1.8. One standard drink is 14 grams of pure alcohol.
How many Modelos equal a shot?
About 1.1. A 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof liquor is one standard drink, and a 12 oz Modelo Especial is 0.9 of one.
How many Modelos does it take to get drunk?
It depends on your weight, your sex, and how fast you drink. Over one hour, about 4 Modelos bring a 160 pound man to 0.08 BAC, and about 4 bring a 160 pound woman there. Enter your own weight in the calculator on this page.
To see how Modelos affect your blood alcohol level, use the BAC calculator.