What is the difference between 70% alcohol W/W and V/V? And why should you look at the units, not just the numbers?

1. Problems that customers have questions about

Many of you may have seen hand sanitizer products advertised as containing “70% alcohol.”

Then, when we look at our product, we find that the percentages listed seem lower, like 68%, and we wonder…

“Can this still be used to disinfect?”

Today we're going to clarify this: there are many ways to measure alcohol percentages. The numbers on the label don't tell you everything, and what matters is the unit of measurement used.

เปรียบเทียบค่าหน่วยวัด V/V กับ W/W

2. Understanding the different units of measurement: W/W and V/V

Unit V/V (Volume per Volume - volume per volume)

• Measure the “volume” of alcohol compared to the total volume of all products.

• Example: If we have 70% V/V alcohol in a 100ml bottle, that means there are 70ml of alcohol and 30ml of other ingredients.

• It is a widely used unit on product labels and advertising.

Unit W/W (Weight per Weight - weight per weight)

• Measure the “weight” of alcohol compared to the total weight of all products.

• More accurate than V/V because weight does not change with temperature.

• Used as a standard in the pharmaceutical and research industries.

เปรียบเทียบความเข้มข้นของทั้ง V/V และ W/W

3. Numbers that many people misunderstand

Since alcohol is less dense than water, the numbers between the two units are not equal.

• 70% V/V = approximately 62.4% W/W

• 68% W/W = approximately 75% V/V

This means that if you see a label that says 70% V/V, it actually contains only 62.4% W/W of alcohol by weight, which is still within the WHO recommended range (70% V/V or 62.4% W/W) for effective disinfection.

4. Why do we use the unit W/W?

• Accurate and international standard → Ensures that every bottle of product has a constant alcohol content.

• Reflects real volume → does not change with temperature or expansion of the liquid.

• The sterilization efficiency does not decrease → Although the number may seem less than 70%, when compared with V/V, it is definitely at a level that can kill germs.

5. Conclusion: Don't just look at the numbers, look at the units too.

• 70% V/V = 62.4% W/W

• 68% W/W ≈ 75% V/V

• Both types can be disinfected if they meet WHO standards.

• Choose products that clearly state the units and have been tested, whether the numbers are W/W or V/V.

When you choose our products, you can be sure that you are getting quality, safe, and effective germ protection.

Don't let misunderstandings about "percentages" keep you from making the best choices for your health.

✅ Choose alcohol products from Hygienic Corporation that have been tested to international standards.

✅ Clearly specify both units and percentages for transparency and confidence.

✅ Ready to ship nationwide and provide advice on choosing the right alcohol.

📞 Contact us immediately at 087-500-1616 or Line Official: @Hygienic

To ensure you are using quality, safe and effective germ protection products.