Vape Calculator: Mix Your E-Liquid Strength & Ratio

Mixing your own e-liquid is much easier when you don't have to calculate every ingredient by hand. A vape calculator is a digital tool that calculates the complete e-liquid mix by determining the exact amount of nicotine, VG, PG and flavour concentrate required for a chosen bottle size, nicotine strength, VG/PG ratio and flavour percentage. Accurate calculations improve recipe consistency, reduce mixing errors and produce repeatable results whether you are creating DIY e-liquid from scratch or adding nic shots to shortfills. The best e-liquid calculator balances every ingredient automatically so the finished recipe maintains the intended nicotine strength, VG/PG ratio and flavour profile without manual calculations.

This guide explains every stage of DIY e-liquid mixing in the same order the calculator works. It begins by showing how the calculator builds an accurate e-liquid blend, then covers nicotine strength and nic shot calculations, choosing the correct VG/PG ratio, selecting the right flavour percentage, understanding shortfills and essential DIY supplies, and comparing different mixing methods. The following sections explain steeping, safe nicotine handling and common mixing mistakes, helping you create accurate, consistent recipes while following recommended safety practices for DIY e-liquid mixing.

Use the vape calculator to mix your e-liquid

The vape calculator computes exactly how much nic shot, VG, PG and flavour concentrate to combine for any target volume, nicotine strength (mg/ml) and VG/PG ratio. Once you have entered your bottle size, preferred nicotine strength and VG/PG ratio, the calculator builds the complete mix in seconds. Instead of estimating each ingredient manually, it works out the exact amount of nicotine, VG, PG and flavour concentrate required for the finished mix. Every result follows the UK TPD nicotine limit of 20mg/ml, with nic shots supplied as 10ml bottles containing 18-20mg/ml nicotine.

The same calculation works whether you are mixing a small 50ml test bottle or preparing larger 100ml or 200ml batches. Every ingredient is adjusted automatically, so the final recipe keeps the nicotine strength, VG/PG ratio and flavour percentage you have selected.

Beginners often prefer measuring by volume with syringes, while experienced DIY mixers usually work with digital scales. The calculator supports both methods, so you can mix however you are most comfortable. Every calculation updates immediately when a value changes, allowing you to compare different bottle sizes, nicotine strengths and VG/PG ratios before mixing.

What does the vape calculator do?

The vape calculator calculates every ingredient required to produce an accurate e-liquid mix based on your chosen bottle size, nicotine strength, VG/PG ratio and flavour percentage. After you enter your recipe details, the calculator works out exactly how much nicotine, PG, VG and flavour concentrate you will need. It also shows how many nic shots are required for shortfills, making recipes much easier to repeat without doing the maths yourself.

What to enter (the calculator's inputs)

Before the recipe can be calculated, you need to enter six values. Together they provide enough information for the calculator to build an accurate mix without requiring any manual calculations.

• Amount to make (ml) — Enter the total volume of e-liquid you want to produce, such as 10ml, 50ml, 100ml or 200ml.
• Desired nicotine strength (mg/ml) — Select the final nicotine strength you want the finished e-liquid to contain.
• Base strength (18/20/72mg) — Choose the strength of the nicotine base or nic shot you are using for the recipe.
• Base type — Select whether the nicotine base is VG, PG, a VG/PG blend, freebase nicotine or nic salt.
• VG/PG ratio — Enter the target VG/PG ratio that you want the finished e-liquid to achieve.
• Flavour percentage — Add the combined percentage of flavour concentrate used in the recipe.

Once these values have been entered, the recipe is calculated automatically, and each ingredient is adjusted to match your chosen settings.

What the calculator works out (its outputs)

The calculator works out a measured blend of VG, PG, nicotine and flavour concentrate mixed to a target strength and ratio that forms the complete composition of an e-liquid mix. The vape calculator works out each component of your e-liquid mix by volume and weight:

• Nic shot — Required nicotine in ml and grams, based on the selected nicotine base.
• Flavour — Total flavour concentrate in ml and grams.
• PG — Exact Propylene Glycol required in ml and grams.
• VG — Exact Vegetable Glycerin required in ml and grams.
• Resulting strength — Final nicotine strength in mg/ml together with the resulting VG/PG ratio.
• Number of nic shots — Total 10ml nic shots needed to complete the recipe when using shortfills.

Seeing every ingredient separately makes recipes easier to scale, compare and recreate later, especially when you are mixing the same flavour again.

DIY mode vs shortfill mode

Two calculator modes for mixing your e-liquid mix — pick by what you start with. The comparison below shows which calculator mode matches your starting ingredients and the type of e-liquid mix you want to create.

If you are starting with individual ingredients rather than a ready-made shortfill, DIY mode is the better option. It calculates the exact amount of VG, PG, freebase nicotine or nic salt, and flavour concentrate required to achieve the selected nicotine strength and VG/PG ratio. Every ingredient is measured separately, so scaling the recipe later becomes much easier.

On the other hand, shortfill mode skips most of the calculations. Instead of entering every ingredient separately, you select the shortfill size and your preferred nicotine strength. The calculator automatically determines the correct number of 20mg nic shots needed for 50ml, 100ml or 200ml shortfills while maintaining the intended final strength. This makes it faster to prepare ready-made shortfills without manually calculating nicotine additions before you move on to making your own e-liquid from scratch.

How much nicotine to add to your e-liquid

A 50ml shortfill needs one 10ml 18mg nic shot to reach roughly 3mg/ml of nicotine strength in the finished e-liquid mix. Under UK TPD regulations, finished e-liquid is limited to 20mg/ml, while nicotine boosters are commonly supplied in 10ml bottles containing 18mg/ml or 20mg/ml nicotine. Whether you are using the calculator to mix a DIY recipe or to work out how many nic shots a shortfill needs, the same calculation is applied. Your chosen VG/PG ratio then determines how the finished e-liquid performs.

How many nic shots for a 50ml, 100ml or 200ml shortfill

Nic shots needed per shortfill size to hit each target strength (UK TPD: 20mg/ml max). The table below shows how many 18mg nic shots are typically required to reach common nicotine strengths across different shortfill sizes.

Note: Values are approximate and assume standard 10ml 18mg nicotine shots with the finished bottle filled to the stated total volume.

The calculator above automatically adjusts these values for different bottle sizes, target strengths, and nicotine bases, so you do not need to calculate dilution manually. Compatible nicotine shots are available to suit a range of strengths and VG/PG ratios.

Nicotine strength chart (mg/ml)

UK nicotine strengths from 3mg/ml to the 20mg/ml TPD ceiling, matched to smoker type and device. The chart below compares the most common nicotine strengths with the type of smoker and device each strength is generally suited to.

20mg/ml is the UK TPD maximum permitted for nicotine-containing e-liquid sold in the UK. Choosing the correct nicotine strength depends on your previous smoking habits, preferred device and vaping style rather than nicotine concentration alone.

Individual nicotine requirements vary, so the most suitable strength depends on previous smoking habits, device power and vaping behaviour rather than cigarette consumption alone.

Nicotine strength calculator and nicotine base types

The nicotine calculator above also supports different nicotine bases, making it suitable whether you are mixing with freebase nicotine, nicotine salts or high-strength concentrates. High-strength nicotine bases (such as 72mg/ml) are used in countries where regulations allow their sale. These strengths are not sold for consumer vaping in the UK, while a nic salt calculator automatically calculates recipes using nicotine salts instead of freebase nicotine. The e liquid nicotine calculator and vape nicotine calculator both use the same principle: they convert your target bottle size, nicotine base strength and desired e liquid strength into the exact nicotine quantity required for the finished recipe.

For example, if you are wondering how much nic salt to add to 50ml, simply select your bottle size, nicotine base strength and target nicotine strength in the calculator. The correct nicotine quantity is calculated automatically without changing the final recipe volume.

How many cigarettes does your nicotine strength equal?

Guidance only, not medical advice.

Approximately 1-2 mg of nicotine is absorbed from a typical cigarette, although the amount varies depending on smoking behaviour and cigarette design. This refers to the nicotine absorbed by the smoker rather than the total nicotine contained in the cigarette.

Because vaping and smoking deliver nicotine differently, there is no exact cigarette equivalent for a particular mg/ml strength. Factors such as device power, nicotine type, puff duration, inhalation style, and daily e-liquid consumption all influence how much nicotine is absorbed.

As a general guide:

• 3mg/ml suits many light smokers using higher-power sub-ohm devices.
• 6mg/ml is commonly chosen by light to moderate smokers using MTL or RDL devices.
• 12mg/ml is often preferred by moderate smokers using refillable pod systems.
• 18-20mg/ml nicotine salts are typically used by heavier smokers with low-power pod devices where nicotine delivery is more controlled and aligns with the maximum nicotine strength permitted for consumer e-liquids in the UK under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TPD).

The nicotine calculator estimates the correct nicotine addition for your recipe, but it cannot determine cigarette equivalence because individual nicotine absorption varies from person to person.

Which VG/PG ratio should you use?

Choosing the right VG/PG ratio is just as important as choosing the right nicotine strength. A thinner 50/50 blend works well in pod kits because it wicks easily, while thicker 70/30 liquids suit sub-ohm tanks that produce larger clouds.

The VG/PG ratio determines the viscosity of your e-liquid mix, helping it suit a device's coil, wick and draw style. A 50/50 blend favours throat hit and flavour in low-power pod kits, while 70/30 provides a balance of flavour and vapour for sub-ohm tanks. Max VG (80/20+) favours large cloud production in high-power DTL devices where thicker e-liquid performs best.

VG/PG ratios suit different vape devices and draw styles, as the e-liquid mix viscosity changes with each ratio. Different vape devices perform best with different VG/PG ratios, as shown in the comparison below.

Choosing the correct VG/PG ratio is about matching the e-liquid mix to your device rather than selecting the thickest or thinnest liquid. Lower-powered pod kits and MTL devices generally work best with 50/50 because the thinner liquid wicks quickly through smaller coils. Sub-ohm tanks operate at higher wattages and favour 70/30 or 80/20+ blends, where the higher VG content produces denser vapour while reducing the risk of flooding.

The nicotine base used in your recipe also contributes to the final VG/PG percentage. As nicotine and flavour concentrate are added, the calculator automatically recalculates the finished VG/PG ratio to maintain the intended e-liquid composition. Ready-mixed VG/PG base liquids are available in a range of ratios to suit different vaping styles, making it easier to match your recipe without mixing the base yourself.

How much flavour concentrate to add

Most DIY e-liquid mixes use 10-20% flavour concentrate, with single flavours around 15-20% and one-shots 15-25%. However, the ideal percentage depends on the concentrate you are using. Some flavours are much stronger than others, so it's always worth following the manufacturer's recommendation before mixing.

Typical flavour concentrate percentages

10-20% is the most common flavour-concentrate range for DIY e-liquid mixing. Always check the manufacturer's recommendation before mixing, as different concentrates vary in strength and formulation. Different concentrate types are usually mixed within the following ranges, listed below.

• Single flavour — Usually mixed at 15-20%, depending on the concentrate and the desired flavour intensity.
• One-shot — Complete flavour blends that are commonly mixed at 15-25%, allowing multiple flavour notes to be created with a single concentrate.
• Boss shot — Larger flavour concentrates designed for DIY mixing, generally used at 15-25%. If you are using a boss shot calculator or flavour boss calculator, simply enter the recommended percentage to calculate the remaining base ingredients for your recipe.
• Menthol and Koolada — Cooling concentrates that are normally mixed at much lower percentages, around 3-10%, because even small amounts provide a noticeable cooling effect.

Whether you are mixing a single flavour or a complete one-shot recipe, choosing the right percentage has a noticeable impact on the finished vape.

If you are wondering how much concentrate for 100ml e-juice, the answer depends entirely on the recommended flavour percentage. For example, a 100ml recipe mixed at 15% requires 15ml of e-liquid concentrate, while a recipe mixed at 20% requires 20ml. The calculator above performs this conversion automatically, turning your chosen flavour concentrate % into the exact number of millilitres required for any bottle size.

After the flavour has been added, the remaining volume is automatically balanced with VG, PG and nicotine. Leaving the finished bottle to steep afterwards gives the ingredients time to blend properly.

Nic shots, shortfills and DIY supplies you will need

To mix your own e-liquid, you need a 0mg shortfill or VG/PG base, nicotine shots, and flavour concentrate. These three ingredients form the foundation of every DIY e-liquid mix, whether you are learning can you mix vape juice, preparing your first batch with an e-liquid mixing kit, or looking to make your own vape at home.

A shortfill is a bottle of 0mg nicotine-free e-liquid with enough headroom to add a nic shot without overflowing the bottle. This extra space allows you to increase the nicotine strength while keeping the finished e-liquid mix at the correct volume.

Why are shortfills sold without nicotine?

Under UK regulations, nicotine-containing e-liquid is limited to 10ml bottles, while larger bottles are only permitted when they contain 0mg nicotine. A shortfill is therefore supplied nicotine-free, allowing you to add the appropriate nic shot separately to reach your preferred strength.

Nic shots are small bottles of concentrated nicotine designed to increase the strength of a nicotine-free shortfill or DIY recipe without noticeably changing the flavour. These are usually supplied in 10ml bottles with an 18mg nicotine strength. The vape calculator automatically determines how many nic shots are required for your chosen bottle size and target nicotine strength.

Mixing your own e-liquid needs the supplies below.

• Shortfill or VG/PG base — Forms the 0mg bulk of the mix before nicotine and flavour are added.
• Nic shots — 10ml 18mg nicotine boosters that set the final nicotine strength.
• Flavour concentrate — Provides the finished e-liquid mix with its flavour profile, whether you are using a single flavour, one-shot or boss shot.
• DIY kit — Includes bottles, syringes or measuring cylinders, digital scales, gloves and labels for accurate mixing. A quality vape juice making kit or e liquid mixing kit helps produce consistent results when preparing DIY recipes.

Whether you are mixing a shortfill or creating a recipe entirely from VG/PG base, the same principles apply: measure accurately, add the correct nic shot, and use the recommended flavour concentrate percentage. Once the ingredients have been measured, add the nic shot and flavour concentrate, then shake thoroughly.

Mixing your own e-liquid: methods and safety

Mixing your own e-liquid comes down to four choices: mixing method, nicotine type, steeping and safety. A nic shot supplies the nicotine, while the mixing method, shot type and steeping time determine how the finished e-liquid mix performs. Each choice below builds on the e-liquid mix composition the calculator works out above, helping you produce a consistent recipe without changing the target nicotine strength, VG/PG ratio or flavour percentage.

Mixing e-liquid by weight vs by volume

By-weight mixing is more accurate because it uses scales and specific gravity. An e-liquid mix can be prepared by weight or by volume, and both methods produce the same finished recipe when measurements are accurate. The difference lies in how each ingredient is measured. Most experienced DIY mixers eventually switch to weighing ingredients rather than measuring them by volume. A digital scale speeds up the process, reduces measuring errors and makes it much easier to reproduce the same recipe later.

The table below compares by-weight and by-volume e-liquid mixing, highlighting the main differences in accuracy, equipment, speed, and ease of use.

For larger batches, weighing ingredients is usually quicker and cleaner. Measuring by volume remains a great option for beginners because it only requires syringes or measuring cylinders.

Whichever method you choose, the vape calculator converts your recipe into the exact ingredient quantities needed for the finished e-liquid mix. Our How to Mix E-Liquid guide explains each method step by step.

Freebase vs nic salt nic shots

Freebase shots suit high-VG devices and nic salt shots suit pods. Every e-liquid mix can be made with either freebase nicotine or nic salt nic shots, but the best option depends on your preferred nicotine strength, device and vaping style. The table below compares freebase and nic salt nic shots to help you choose the right option for your device and preferred vaping style.

Both nicotine types work with the vape calculator and can achieve the same target nicotine strength. The choice affects the vaping experience rather than the calculation itself. If you are comparing options, explore our Nic Salts range alongside freebase nicotine products to find the best fit for your preferences.

Can you mix freebase and nic salt in one bottle?

Yes, freebase and nic salt can be mixed in one e-liquid mix. Combining the two nicotine types creates a blended throat hit that sits between traditional freebase nicotine and the smoother inhale of nic salts. The calculator still works out the correct nicotine strength, although the overall vaping experience depends on the proportion of each nicotine type used.

How long should you steep your e-liquid?

Steep your e-liquid mix from a few days for fruit recipes to several weeks for dessert and tobacco recipes. Every e-liquid mix benefits from steeping because it allows the flavour concentrate, VG, PG and nicotine to blend more evenly. The exact steeping time depends on the recipe, with lighter fruit blends maturing quickly while richer flavours develop over a longer period.

Fruit recipes tend to develop quite quickly, so many are enjoyable after only a few days. Dessert and tobacco blends usually need much longer before the flavours fully come together, while beverage recipes often sit somewhere in between.

Different flavour profiles mature at different speeds, and the table below provides steeping times for the most common DIY recipes.

Treat these timings as a guide rather than a strict rule. Different concentrates mature at different speeds, so tasting the recipe every few days is the easiest way to decide when it's ready. Testing the e-liquid mix periodically is the easiest way to decide when the flavour has fully matured.

Do fruit recipes need steeping?

No, fruit recipes need little to no steeping in an e-liquid mix. Most fruit recipes are ready sooner than dessert or tobacco recipes because lighter flavour concentrates blend more quickly. Although many fruit mixes are enjoyable after a short rest, allowing them to steep for a few days often produces a smoother and better-balanced flavour.

Mixing mistakes to avoid

Concentrated nicotine is toxic and requires gloves, child-safe storage, and an age of 18 or over. Every e-liquid mix should be prepared carefully to maintain the intended nicotine strength while reducing unnecessary safety risks. Accurate measurements, clean equipment, and responsible nicotine handling help produce a consistent recipe every time.

These mistakes can weaken or unsafely contaminate your e-liquid mix:

• Over-dosing nicotine raises the nicotine strength beyond the intended target and changes the balance of the finished e-liquid mix.
• Over-flavouring spoils the e-liquid mix by muting flavours, creating harsh notes, or reducing overall flavour clarity.
• Handling concentrated nicotine without nitrile gloves risks skin exposure and accidental nicotine absorption.
• Storing nicotine within reach of children or pets creates a serious safety hazard and should always be avoided.
• Nicotine-containing e-liquids should only be purchased and mixed by adults aged 18 and over.

Before shaking the finished bottle, double-check every ingredient against the recipe produced by the vape calculator. Confirm the correct nicotine strength, VG/PG ratio, and flavour percentage before storing the finished e-liquid mix in a cool, dark place away from children and pets.

Safety guidance

• Wear nitrile gloves whenever handling concentrated nicotine to reduce the risk of skin exposure.
• Clean spills immediately and avoid skin or eye contact.
• Clearly label every mixed bottle with the nicotine strength, VG/PG ratio, and mixing date.
• Store nicotine bases and finished e-liquids in child-resistant containers.
• Only adults aged 18+ should purchase or mix nicotine-containing e-liquids in the UK.