What Nicotine Strength Do You Get from a 100ml Shortfill?
A clear breakdown of how the finished nicotine strength is calculated, why 3mg is the common result and what to do if you want something stronger.
The short answer
Most vapers finish a 100ml Imp Jar shortfill at around 3mg, achieved by adding two 18mg nic shots to the bottle. That is the maximum practical strength the standard 120ml bottle supports without decanting liquid out first and it suits the vast majority of pod kit and MTL users comfortably.
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100ml shortfills in disposable inspired flavours, ready to mix with nic shots of your choice. UK made in Maidstone, Kent.
How the final strength is worked out
Nicotine strength in a shortfill is calculated by dividing the total nicotine added by the total finished volume of liquid. With a 100ml shortfill, the maths is straightforward, two 18mg nic shots contain 360mg of nicotine combined, spread across the full 120ml of finished e-liquid once mixed, giving you 3mg per ml.
Why 3mg is the common landing point
UK shortfill formats are deliberately sized around a 3mg outcome, since this is the strength most ex-smokers and disposable vape users settle into once they have moved past the initial transition period. It mirrors the strength found in many popular pod and disposable style products.
Strength outcomes by nic shot choice
| Nic shots used | Total nicotine added | Finished strength in 120ml |
|---|---|---|
| 1 x 18mg | 180mg | Approximately 1.5mg |
| 2 x 18mg | 360mg | Approximately 3mg |
| 2 x 20mg nic salt | 400mg | Approximately 3.3mg |
If you want a strength higher than this, a standard 100ml bottle is not the right format, 10ml nic salt bottles at higher strengths are a better fit since they are designed for that purpose without dilution limits.
Common questions about nicotine strength
Why can I not just add more nic shots for a stronger vape?
The bottle physically only has room for two 10ml shots. Adding more would require removing existing liquid, which dilutes flavour and is generally not worth the trade-off.
Is 3mg enough for someone who smoked heavily?
It depends on the individual. Some heavier former smokers prefer a higher strength, in which case 10ml nic salt bottles in higher strengths may suit better than a shortfill format.
Does freebase or nic salt change the maths?
The underlying calculation is the same but nic salt shots are commonly sold at 20mg rather than 18mg, giving a very slightly higher finished strength for the same number of shots.
Part of the Imp Jar 100ml guides hub
This page is part of our complete Imp Jar 100ml guide series. Return to the Imp Jar 100ml Guides Hub for the full topic overview. Browse the related guides below.