How much nicotine should be in my liquid?

When you are new to e-cigarettes and vaping, one of the questions that often arises is: How much nicotine should I actually use in my e-liquid? The answer depends on several things. Among other things, how much you have previously smoked, what type of e-cigarette you use, and how you prefer to vape in everyday life. The answer depends on several things. Among other things, how much you have previously smoked, what type of e-cigarette you use, and how you prefer to vape in everyday life.

The right nicotine strength is not just about getting enough nicotine. It's also about having a pleasant experience, avoiding throat irritation, and finding a balance where you neither get too little nor too much nicotine.

Nicotine in e-liquid explained

Nicotine in e-liquid is normally measured in milligrams per millilitre, also written as mg/ml. It simply means how much nicotine is in the liquid. The higher the number, the stronger the liquid.

A liquid with 3 mg therefore contains much less nicotine than a liquid with 12 mg or 20 mg. In Denmark and the rest of the EU, the maximum allowed strength in pre-mixed nicotine-containing e-liquid is 20 mg/ml.

However, it is important to understand that nicotine absorption from an e-cigarette does not work quite the same way as with regular cigarettes. How much nicotine you absorb depends, among other things, on the device, the coil, the wattage level, and how often you vape.

How to choose the right nicotine strength?

The best way to choose nicotine strength is often to base it on your previous cigarette consumption. People who have only smoked a few cigarettes a day will typically do best with a lower strength, while former heavy smokers often need a higher nicotine concentration to get the same satisfying feeling.

If the nicotine strength is too low, many experience that they vape constantly without really being satisfied. Conversely, too high nicotine can give a harsh sensation in the throat, dizziness, or discomfort.

3 mg nicotine

3 mg nicotine is a low nicotine strength and is often used by light smokers or people who use powerful sub-ohm e-cigarettes with large vapour production. With large clouds of vapour, you typically absorb more nicotine per puff, and therefore low strengths are often sufficient.

This strength corresponds approximately to a very low cigarette consumption of under 5 cigarettes daily, depending on how you vape.

3 mg is also often chosen by people who are in the process of reducing nicotine.

6 mg nicotine

6 mg is one of the most used nicotine strengths among former smokers. It provides a clear nicotine sensation without being too strong and works well in many different types of e-cigarettes.

For many, 6 mg corresponds approximately to a cigarette consumption of around 5 to 10 cigarettes a day. The strength is used both in regular MTL devices and in lighter sub-ohm setups.

If you feel that 3 mg is too weak but do not want a very strong experience, 6 mg will often be a good intermediate step.

9 mg nicotine

9 mg nicotine is midway between 6 mg and 12 mg and is particularly popular among former smokers who want a bit more nicotine and a more noticeable throat sensation.

Many choose 9 mg if they find 6 mg doesn't quite satisfy the craving, but at the same time experience that 12 mg is too strong.

The nicotine strength corresponds approximately to a consumption of about 10 to 15 cigarettes daily and works especially well in smaller MTL devices and pod systems with moderate vapour production.

12 mg nicotine

12 mg nicotine is often used by former smokers with a relatively high cigarette consumption. This strength is best suited for smaller e-cigarettes with low power, where vapour production is more limited.

For many, 12 mg corresponds to about 15 to 20 cigarettes daily. The nicotine is clearly felt, and the experience often resembles more the feeling of traditional cigarettes.

In modern sub-ohm e-cigarettes, however, 12 mg will often be far too strong.

18-20 mg nicotine

18 mg and 20 mg are the highest nicotine strengths normally used in the EU. These strengths are especially used in nicotine salt liquids and smaller pod systems.

They are often chosen by very heavy smokers or people who have just quit cigarettes and need a high nicotine amount initially.

This strength can roughly be compared to a cigarette consumption of over 20 cigarettes daily, but it will always vary from person to person.

Your e-cigarette matters a lot

Nicotine strength should always be viewed in relation to the type of e-cigarette used. Small pod systems and classic MTL devices produce less vapour and therefore typically use higher nicotine strengths.

Powerful sub-ohm devices produce much more vapour per puff, and therefore lower nicotine strengths like 3 mg or 6 mg are normally used.

If one uses too high nicotine in a powerful e-cigarette, the experience can quickly become very intense and unpleasant.

What is nicotine salt?

Nicotine salt, also called nicotine salt or nic salt, is a type of nicotine that provides a smoother and more pleasant throat sensation. It allows for higher nicotine strengths to be used without the experience being as harsh as with traditional freebase nicotine.

Therefore, nicotine salt has become very popular in small pod systems and among former smokers who want an experience that more closely resembles regular cigarettes.

Can you reduce nicotine?

Many vapers choose to gradually reduce their nicotine consumption over time. A typical tapering might be to go from 20 mg to 12 mg, then 9 mg, on to 6 mg and later 3 mg or completely nicotine-free.

For some it goes quickly, while others prefer to stay at the same strength for a longer period. The most important thing is to find a solution that works comfortably in everyday life.

What happens when you mix your own liquid?

If you use shortfills or base kits, you normally add nicotine shots to achieve the desired nicotine strength. A standard nicotine shot typically contains 10 ml of liquid with 20 mg of nicotine.

How many shots need to be added depends on the size of the bottle and how strong the liquid should be. Therefore, it's important to calculate the nicotine strength correctly when mixing your own e-liquid.

We have also made it easy with our base kits as you can see here.

Find the nicotine strength that suits you

It can take a little time to find the perfect balance between flavour, throat sensation, and nicotine needs. Many start with one strength and adjust later up or down after experience.

The right combination of nicotine strength, e-liquid, coil, and e-cigarette can make a very big difference to the overall vaping experience and make the transition from regular cigarettes much more pleasant.