Stay in the Blue

Stay in the Blue to help you get what you want while avoiding the stuff you don't want, by keeping your blood alcohol content (BAC) at .06 or below. 


Our free app can help you Stay in the Blue

  • Estimated BAC Calculator: Enter gender* and weight, then choose type and number of drinks over time. The app calculates and displays estimated blood alcohol content; the recommended  Blue (.06 or below, safer zone), or more risky zones of Maize, Orange or Red. (*For transgender people who are not taking hormones, use your sex assigned at birth when setting up the app. If you are taking hormones, use the sex consistent with those hormones for the most accurate BAC estimate.)
  • Call-a-Cab: Calling local cabs is just a click away—you even get your GPS location.
  • Tracker: Tracks drinking events over time if you want to see how often you are staying in the blue or in other zones.
  • Events: Displays a list of fun things to do in Ann Arbor.
  • Plus more!

Download it for your smartphone from the Apple app store or Google Play app store.  

Don't have a smartphone? Use the BAC Calculator to help you plan your party.

See also Stay in the Blue App Privacy for the privacy policy for this app.


Blood alcohol content and its predictable effects

The higher the BAC, the greater the negative consequences. Stay in the Blue for a safer, better time. And if you don't drink, you're automatically in the Blue.

Stay in the Blue (.06 BAC and below):

  • .00-.03: Slight euphoria. Less shy.
  • .04-.06: Relaxed, less inhibition, impaired reasoning & memory. More daring.

Be cautious of Maize (.07-.09 BAC):

  • .07-.09: Impaired balance, speech, judgment, reasoning & reaction time. Illegal to drive @ .08!

Be wary of Orange (.10-.19 BAC):

  • .10-.12: Significant impairment of coordination, judgment & reaction time. Slurred speech. Possible sexual dysfunction.
  • .13-.15: Blurred vision, anxiety, severely impaired coordination & judgment. Could blackout or pee your pants.
  • .16-.19: Nausea, higher anxiety, "sloppy" drunk, could pass out.

Avoid the Red (.20 BAC and above):

  • .20-.24: Disorientation; need help to stand/walk. Vomiting & blackouts likely.
  • .25-.29: Severe impairment of mental, physical, sensory functions, risk of serious injury. Likely to pass out.
  • .30-.34: Stupor, little comprehension, hard to wake. Death is possible.
  • .35+: Coma and/ or death is likely.

It really works! 

Many Michigan students have figured out that moderating alcohol intake means more fun, less drama, and they're happy to share their success. See How U-M Students Stay in the Blue.


How many standard drinks are in that?

What's a drink? Drinks contain differing amounts of alcohol, so before you can estimate your BAC, you need to know what a “standard” drink is. One "standard" drink is equal to .6 oz of ethanol, so:

  • 12 oz beer or wine cooler
  • 1 oz liquor (100 proof) or 1.5 oz liquor (80 proof)
  • 8-9 oz malt liquor
  • 5 oz table wine (12%)
  • 3-4 oz fortified wine (sherry, port)
  • 2 oz liqueur, cordial, aperitif
  • 1.5 oz brandy

Did you know that red party cups contain 16-18 oz and 1.33-1.5 beers?  Mystery mixes in Igloo coolers or Gatorade jugs often contain 3-6 drinks per red cup, but who knows for sure? Long Island Iced Teas at local bars typically contain 4-5 standard drinks.


Individual effects

Alcohol also affects individuals differently, and BAC may be affected by your:

  • Gender
  • Emotional state
  • Amount of sleep
  • Physical condition
  • Hydration status
  • Amount of food consumed
  • Menstrual cycle
  • Any additional drugs or medication

Don't forget your EANAB (equally attractive non-alcoholic beverage)! The more you make them available, the safer your party can be!


Want to avoid a hangover? 

Drinking lightly or moderately will help you avoid hangovers. Check out this video for more info on hangovers.


For more information

Wellness Coaching is a free, confidential, and non-judgemental program to explore your use of alcohol and possibly make changes.

Problem Drinking: What’s too much? Any one of these consequences is reason enough to evaluate your relationship with alcohol.