Alcohol by volume (ABV) is a standard measure used to quantify the amount of alcohol (ethanol) in a beverage. It is expressed as a percentage, indicating how much of the total volume of liquid is made up of alcohol. For example, a drink with 12% ABV contains 12% pure alcohol and 88% other components, such as water and flavorings. ABV helps consumers understand the strength of different alcoholic beverages, ranging from light beers with around 4% ABV to spirits like whiskey or vodka, which can exceed 40% ABV. This information is crucial for responsible drinking and making informed choices about alcohol consumption.