What Nicotine Strength Should I Use In My Vape?
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Time to read 5 min
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Time to read 5 min
Table of contents
Choosing an e-liquid sounds simple, right? A few clicks, some fruity flavour, and off you go. But then you’re faced with the nicotine options: 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 20mg... And suddenly, your relaxing vape sesh turns into a GCSE-level chemistry exam. But don’t worry. You don’t need a lab coat - just a bit of know-how, and that’s exactly what this guide is here for. So, what nic strength do I need? Let's find out.
If you’ve ever taken a puff from your vape and felt dizzy, or conversely, found yourself chain-vaping to chase some mythical satisfaction - then chances are, your nicotine strength is off.
Choosing the right nic strength isn't just about personal preference; it's about how your body reacts, your previous smoking habits, and the type of device you're using. Get it wrong, and you’ll either feel overwhelmed or underwhelmed. Get it right, and you'll finally understand what all the vape fuss is about.
Nicotine in e-liquid is what helps former smokers make a smooth transition. It's also what satisfies your cravings. If you're vaping just for the flavour and fun, you might go for a low strength - or none at all. But if you're here trying to dodge a return to cigarettes, getting your nicotine fix just right is non-negotiable.
Too much nicotine can make you feel nauseous. Too little can lead to frustration - and often, a trip back to the corner shop for a packet of B&H. Neither is ideal.
So, what nic strength do I need? The answer depends on a few key factors:
Let’s break it down.
Your ideal range: 3mg or 6mg
You probably don’t need a high nicotine content. 3mg will give you just a hint of throat hit and nicotine buzz. Perfect for light smokers, social puffers, and flavour chasers who don’t want to overdo it.
Start low. You can always increase your strength if needed - but you can’t un-vape too much nicotine.
Shortfill Eliquids come in bigger bottles and allow you to add nicotine yourself with Nic shots. Just pour your nic shots in and enjoy a massive bottle of low (3MG) Nicotine strength eliquid.
Your ideal range: 6mg to 12mg
This is the sweet spot for most average smokers. Up to 6mg works well for sub-ohm devices that produce more vapour, while 12mg is better suited to pod systems or mouth-to-lung (MTL) kits where vapour production is lower.
Rule of thumb: More clouds = less nicotine needed. Smaller devices = stronger nic hit needed.
Your ideal range: 12mg to 20mg
You need a serious fix. Look for 18mg or even 20mg nic salts if you were a 20-a-day smoker. Nicotine salts absorb quicker, giving you a hit that mimics the rush of a cigarette - without the tar, stink, or shame.
If you find yourself puffing constantly and still craving a cig, it’s probably time to up your nic strength.
Our 10ml eliquids come a huge range of strengths and flavours. 10ml Nicotine salts give option in 5mg, 10mg or 20mg and offer smooth flavour. Freebase comes in 3mg, 6mg, 12mg and 18mg offering a stronger throat hit.
Not all vapes are created equal. That slick sub-ohm mod with plumes of vapour isn’t the same beast as a discreet pod device. Here’s how it affects your nicotine choice.
Sub-Ohm Vaping (Big Clouds, Direct-to-Lung)
MTL or Pod Systems (Cigarette-Style Draw)
Match your nicotine to your device, not just your cravings. It’s about balance.
Nicotine salts - aka nic salts - are a smoother, faster-absorbing form of nicotine found in certain e-liquids. They’re ideal for higher strengths because they don’t hit the throat as harshly.
Perfect if:
Not ideal if:
Nic salts are a game-changer for new vapers, especially those looking to quit smoking. If you want to learn about the difference between nicotine salt and freebase take a look here.
Here are the signs:
Too low:
Too high:
Listen to your body. It’s smarter than you think.
Yes, within reason. Many vapers tweak their nic strength over time. You might start on 12mg and taper to 6mg as cravings ease. Some even mix different strengths together to create a middle ground.
Just don’t go mad with the maths. Most e-liquid bottles clearly state their nic content, and with a bit of common sense, you’ll find what works.
Progress, not perfection. Finding your balance takes time.
The question what nic strength do I need? is a personal one. It depends on where you’re coming from, what you’re using, and what you want out of vaping. The key is to experiment safely. Start low, go slow. Pay attention to how your body feels. And above all, don’t get discouraged if you don’t hit the sweet spot straight away. Because let’s face it—switching to vaping should be a step up, not a stress-fest.
| Smoking Habit | Suggested Nicotine Strength | Best Device Type |
|---|---|---|
| Light (1–5/day) | 3mg – 6mg | Sub-ohm or MTL |
| Moderate (5–15/day) | 6mg – 12mg | MTL or pod system |
| Heavy (15+/day) | 12mg – 20mg (salts) | Pod systems, low-power |
Knowing the answer to what nic strength you need? can mean the difference between success and sliding back into old habits.
Got more questions about your vaping journey? Ask away—because no one should have to guess their way to quitting.
