The Ultimate Nic Shot Calculator Guide for New Vapers

August 24, 2023

Nic Shot Calculator: How Many Nic Shots Should You Add To E-Liquids?

Vaping has transformed the smoking scene in the UK, offering a plethora of options for smokers looking to quit and for hobbyists alike. For newcomers, the art of mixing e-liquids can be somewhat perplexing, especially when it involves the addition of nicotine shots or ‘nic shots’. In this guide, we’ll explore the pressing question: “How much nic shot to add?” Whether you’re using a 50ml, 80ml, or 100ml shortfill, we’ve got you covered!

Glossary for Beginners:

Shortfill E-liquids: These are larger bottles of e-liquid, purposefully not filled to the top, leaving space for the addition of nicotine shots.
Nic Shots (Nicotine Shots): Concentrated nicotine in a small bottle, designed to be added to shortfill e-liquids.
VG/PG: Refers to the two primary e-liquid ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG). Each contributes differently to the vaping experience. VG produces denser clouds, while PG carries the flavour better.

How Nicotine Strength is Measured:

Nicotine strength in the UK is typically measured in milligrams (mg) per millilitre (ml), and is usually written in milligrams. The general available range is from 0mg (nicotine-free) to 20mg for most commercially available e-liquids.

The Nic Shot Calculator Breakdown:

NOTE: Adding multiple nic shots to a shortfill e-liquid is not as simple as it seems. For example, by adding a 10ml nic shot to a 100ml e-liquid, you will then have 110ml of e-liquid. That means when you add your next nic shot, you are now adding 10ml of nicotine to 110ml of e-liquid (which already has some nicotine), which means adding a second 10ml nic shot will require a different calculation to adding the first.

1. For 50ml Shortfill:

How much nic shot to add to 50ml to achieve desired nicotine strengths?

3mg Strength: Add 1 x 10ml 18mg nicotine shot.
Higher Strengths: We do not recommend adding more than one nic shot to a 50ml e-liquid. Firstly, the bottle will only have capacity to add one nic shot. Furthermore, adding too many nic shots will severely alter the flavour and may be very harsh to vape. If you require a higher strength e-liquid, we recommend using standard 10ml e-liquids or nic salts that already contain nicotine and are available in strengths of up to 20mg.

2. For 80ml Shortfill:

How many nic shots for 80ml to get the right strength?

3mg Strength: Add 1.5 x 10ml 18mg nicotine shots.
Higher Strength: We do not recommend adding more than two nic shots to a 80ml e-liquid. Firstly, the bottle will only have capacity to add two nic shots. Furthemore, adding too many nic shots this will severely alter the flavour and may be very harsh to vape. If you require a higher strength e-liquid, we recommend using standard 10ml e-liquids or nic salts that already contain nicotine and are available in strengths of up to 20mg.

3. For 100ml Shortfill:

How many nic shots for 100ml to get the right strength?

3mg Strength: Add 2 x 10ml 18mg nicotine shots.
Higher Strength: We do not recommend adding more than two nic shots to a 100ml e-liquid. Firstly, the bottle will only have capacity to add two nic shots (120ml bottle with 100ml e-liquid). Furthemore, adding too many nic shots will severely alter the flavour and may be very harsh to vape. If you require a higher strength e-liquid, we recommend using standard 10ml e-liquids or nic salts that already contain nicotine and are available in strengths of up to 20mg.

Quick Tips:

Always ensure you’re working on a clean surface when adding nic shots.
Don’t add too many nic shots to your e-liquid. Nicotine has a strong taste and a harsh throat hit and can ruin the flavour of the e-liquid if too many are added. Instead, try 10ml freebase e-liquids and 10ml nic salts which already contain nicotine and are blended to ensure maximum flavour alongside the nicotine. They range from 3mg strength to 20mg of nicotine per bottle.
After adding your nic shots, ensure you shake the bottle vigorously to guarantee a uniform mix.

Why Calculate?

Determining ‘how much nic shot to add to 50ml’ or ‘how many nic shots for 100ml’ ensures you’re obtaining the right nicotine strength suited to your taste. Too much or too little can significantly influence your vaping experience. Thus, using a ‘nic shot calculator’ approach not only saves time and e-liquid but also ensures a satisfying vape each time you take a puff.

Beginning your vaping journey in the UK doesn’t have to be daunting. Armed with the right knowledge, mixing e-liquids and achieving the desired nicotine strength becomes straightforward. Always remember, the essence of an enjoyable vaping experience lies in getting the mix just right. And with our comprehensive ‘nic shot calculator’ guide, you’re now perfectly equipped to do so!