43% ABV equals 86 proof
US scale. US proof is exactly twice the alcohol by volume.
What 43% ABV means in proof
US proof is twice the alcohol by volume, so a spirit at 43% ABV is 86 proof. To reverse it, divide the proof figure by 2 to read back the ABV.
If you are diluting or blending to hit 43% ABV, confirm the final strength with an alcoholmeter at 20°C rather than trusting the calculation alone, since ethanol and water contract slightly when mixed.
Confirm the real strength: proof printed on a label is one thing, the spirit in your jar is another. A 0 to 200 proof alcoholmeter reads it directly at 20°C.