Choosing the right nicotine strength is one of the most important decisions a vaper can make. Too much nicotine and the experience becomes harsh and unpleasant. Too little and you may find yourself vaping constantly without feeling satisfied. Whether you are new to vaping or considering a change in your nicotine intake, understanding how nicotine strengths work will help you find the sweet spot for your preferences and goals.
How Nicotine Strength Is Measured
Nicotine strength in e-liquid is expressed in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL), which tells you how much nicotine is dissolved in each milliliter of liquid. You will commonly see this written as a simple number followed by “mg” on the bottle label. For example, a 6mg e-liquid contains 6 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter.
Some brands express nicotine as a percentage instead. To convert, simply divide the mg/mL value by 10. A 50mg nicotine salt e-liquid, for instance, equals 5% nicotine. This percentage format has become more common with the rise of pod-based systems and nicotine salt liquids.
Common Nicotine Levels
- 0mg: No nicotine at all. Chosen by vapers who enjoy the act of vaping without the nicotine.
- 3mg: Very low nicotine. Popular among experienced vapers using sub-ohm devices that produce large amounts of vapor.
- 6mg: Low nicotine. A common choice for vapers using sub-ohm tanks or drippers who want a slight nicotine presence.
- 12mg: Medium nicotine. Suited for mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices and moderate former smokers.
- 18mg: High nicotine. Typically used in MTL setups by heavier former smokers.
- 24mg-50mg: Very high nicotine. Almost exclusively nicotine salt formulations used in low-power pod systems.
Freebase Nicotine vs. Nicotine Salts
There are two main types of nicotine used in e-liquids, and understanding the difference between them is key to choosing the right strength.
Freebase Nicotine
Freebase nicotine is the traditional form used in e-liquids since the early days of vaping. It delivers a noticeable throat hit that becomes increasingly harsh at higher concentrations. This is why freebase liquids rarely exceed 18mg and are most commonly found in the 3mg to 12mg range. They work best in devices that produce moderate to high amounts of vapor, such as sub-ohm tanks and rebuildable atomizers.
Nicotine Salts
Nicotine salts use a modified form of nicotine combined with benzoic acid, which lowers the pH and makes higher concentrations much smoother on the throat. This allows vapers to use 25mg, 35mg, or even 50mg e-liquids without the harsh sensation that would make freebase nicotine at those levels unbearable. Nicotine salts are designed for low-power pod systems and MTL devices that produce smaller amounts of vapor.
The key distinction is this: nicotine salts deliver more nicotine per puff with less vapor, while freebase nicotine delivers less nicotine per puff but with more vapor. Both can be equally satisfying when matched with the right device and strength.
Matching Nicotine Strength to Your Device
The type of device you use has a direct impact on which nicotine strength will work best for you. This is because different devices produce different amounts of vapor, and more vapor means more nicotine per puff.
Sub-Ohm Devices (High Vapor Production)
Sub-ohm tanks, box mods, and rebuildable atomizers produce large clouds of vapor. Because each puff delivers a significant volume of vaporized e-liquid, lower nicotine strengths are appropriate. Most sub-ohm vapers use 3mg or 6mg freebase nicotine. Using anything above 12mg in a sub-ohm device would likely result in an overwhelming and unpleasant throat hit.
Pod Systems and MTL Devices (Low Vapor Production)
Pod systems and mouth-to-lung devices produce much less vapor per puff. To compensate and deliver a satisfying amount of nicotine, higher strengths are typically used. Nicotine salt e-liquids in the 20mg to 50mg range are the standard choice for these devices. Some vapers also use 12mg or 18mg freebase nicotine in MTL setups, though this is less common now that nicotine salts are widely available.
Browse our E-Juice collection to explore options across every nicotine strength and formulation.
Choosing Your Starting Nicotine Strength
If you are transitioning from smoking to vaping, your cigarette consumption is the best indicator of where to start.
Light Smokers (Fewer Than 10 Cigarettes Per Day)
A 3mg to 6mg freebase nicotine liquid in a sub-ohm device, or a 20mg to 25mg nicotine salt in a pod system, is usually sufficient. Light smokers do not need as much nicotine to feel satisfied, and starting too high can cause dizziness and nausea.
Moderate Smokers (10 to 20 Cigarettes Per Day)
For a pack-a-day smoker, 6mg to 12mg freebase in a sub-ohm device or 25mg to 35mg nicotine salt in a pod system tends to hit the right balance. The goal is to replicate the satisfaction of smoking without overconsumption.
Heavy Smokers (More Than 20 Cigarettes Per Day)
Heavy smokers often need a stronger starting point. A 12mg to 18mg freebase liquid in an MTL device or a 35mg to 50mg nicotine salt in a pod system will provide the level of nicotine they are accustomed to. Once the transition from smoking is complete, many vapers gradually step down their nicotine level over time.
Stepping Down Your Nicotine Over Time
One of the advantages of vaping over smoking is the ability to precisely control and gradually reduce your nicotine intake. Many vapers start at a higher strength and systematically work their way down. A typical step-down path might look like this:
- Start at 12mg freebase or 35mg salt
- After a few weeks or months, drop to 6mg freebase or 25mg salt
- Continue to 3mg freebase or 20mg salt
- Eventually reach 0mg if desired
There is no right or wrong timeline for this process. Some vapers step down quickly while others take months at each level. The important thing is that each step feels comfortable and does not leave you feeling unsatisfied, which could lead to reverting to higher strengths or returning to cigarettes.
Signs Your Nicotine Strength Is Wrong
Too High
- Dizziness or lightheadedness after vaping
- Nausea or headaches
- An excessively harsh or peppery throat hit
- Coughing with each puff
- Feeling jittery or anxious
Too Low
- Vaping constantly without feeling satisfied
- Craving cigarettes despite vaping
- Going through e-liquid unusually fast
- Feeling irritable or restless between sessions
If you experience any of these symptoms, adjusting your nicotine strength by one level in either direction usually resolves the issue.
The Role of PG/VG Ratio
The propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerin (VG) ratio of your e-liquid also affects how nicotine feels. Higher PG ratios produce a stronger throat hit, which can make a given nicotine level feel more intense. Higher VG ratios produce a smoother draw with more vapor. If you find your current nicotine strength slightly too harsh, switching to a higher VG blend can soften the experience without changing the actual nicotine content.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right nicotine strength is a personal journey that depends on your smoking history, the device you use, and your individual sensitivity to nicotine. Start with an educated guess based on the guidelines above, and do not be afraid to adjust. The flexibility to fine-tune your nicotine intake is one of the greatest benefits vaping offers over traditional cigarettes.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to try a different strength, our E-Juice selection covers every option from 0mg to 50mg across hundreds of flavors. Pair the right e-liquid with a device from our Starter Kits collection and you will have everything you need for a satisfying vape experience.
