If you enjoy shortfill e-liquids, you already know that most bottles come with zero nicotine. This is why many vapers often ask the same question: How many nicotine shots for 100ml? It may sound confusing at first, but once you understand the basics, it becomes very easy to work out. This simple guide will help you understand how nicotine shots work, how to mix them, and how much you need for different strength levels.
What Are Nicotine Shots?
Nicotine shots, often called nic shots, are small bottles that contain nicotine in a base liquid. Most nic shots are 10ml bottles with 18mg or 20mg nicotine strength. You add these shots to your shortfill bottle to create your preferred nicotine strength.
Shortfill bottles come partially empty, so you have space to add these nicotine shots. This is why a 100ml shortfill bottle normally has room to fit two 10ml nic shots.
Why 100ml Shortfills Need Nicotine Shots
A 100ml shortfill contains only flavoured e-liquid with no nicotine. This keeps the product within UK rules and also gives vapers more flexibility. You can choose whether you want zero nicotine or add shots to customise your level.
To make things easier, every shortfill bottle includes extra space inside. In a 100ml bottle, there is normally enough room for two full nic shots. But the exact number of shots you need depends on the nicotine strength you want to end up with. So, the big question remains: How many nicotine shots for 100ml to make 3mg, 6mg, or something else?
How to Work Out the Nicotine Strength
The most common strength vapers want from 100ml shortfills is 3mg. This is mainly for sub-ohm vaping because higher strengths can feel too strong in big cloud devices. Here’s the simple rule:
- Each 10ml nic shot at 18mg will dilute into your shortfill.
- When you mix two shots into 100ml, you end up with 120ml total.
Now let’s work out the levels so you understand exactly how many nicotine shots for 100ml.
How Many Nicotine Shots for 100ml to Make 3mg
To make a 100ml shortfill into a 3mg strength:
- Use two 10ml nicotine shots at 18mg
- This gives you 120ml of 3mg e-liquid
This is the standard and most popular mix. So, the answer for 3mg is: 2 nic shots for 100ml shortfill. Most brands design 100ml bottles specifically with this mix in mind.
How Many Nicotine Shots for 100ml to Make 1.5mg
Some vapers prefer a very light nicotine level, like 1.5mg. This strength is smooth and gentle. To make 1.5mg from a 100ml bottle:
- Use one 10ml nic shot (18mg)
- You’ll end up with 110ml total at roughly 1.5mg strength
Simple and soft with just a mild throat hit.
How Many Nicotine Shots for 100ml to Make 6mg
If you want a stronger hit, 6mg is sometimes an option. But this is usually too strong for sub-ohm kits. However, if you still want it, here is the maths: To get 6mg from 100ml:
- You would need four 18mg Nic shots
- Total = 140ml at around 6mg
But most 100ml bottles don’t have space for four shots. You would need to remove some liquid first or mix in a larger bottle. This is why 6mg is not very common for 100ml shortfills.
Easy Nic Shot Chart for 100ml Bottles
Here is a simple guide you can follow anytime:
| Final Nicotine Strength | Nic Shots Needed | Total Liquid After Mixing |
| 0mg | 0 | 100ml |
| 1.5mg | 1 shot | 110ml |
| 3mg | 2 shots | 120ml |
| 6mg | 4 shots* | 140ml |
Not possible unless you use a separate mixing bottle. This table gives you a quick and clear idea of how many nicotine shots for 100ml, no matter what strength you want.
How to Mix Nic Shots with 100ml Shortfills
Mixing is simple and takes only a minute. Here is the easiest method:
- Open your 100ml shortfill bottle.
- Add your nicotine shots based on the strength you want.
- Close the bottle tightly.
- Shake it well for at least one minute.
- Let it sit for a few minutes so the liquid blends smoothly.
Your e-liquid is now ready to vape. Some people like to let it “steep” for a day, but that’s optional.
Why Most Vapers Choose 3mg for 100ml
The most popular choice for big shortfills is 3mg, and here’s why:
- It gives a light but satisfying nicotine buzz
- It works well in high-power kits
- It doesn’t feel too harsh
- You still get stra ong flavour and smooth throat hit
And the best part is: You only need two shots, so the maths is simple and fast. This is also why the question How many nicotine shots for 100ml usually has one main answer: two shots for 3mg.
What Happens If You Add Too Many Nic Shots?
Adding too many nic shots can change your vape in a few ways:
- The flavour becomes weaker
- The nicotine hit becomes harsher
- The liquid becomes thinner
- You may not enjoy the vape at all
This is why it’s important to follow the proper measurements. If you want higher nicotine, like 6mg, it’s better to buy 50ml shortfills instead. They give you more room to add nic shots without throwing off the taste.
What Strength Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick guide depending on your vaping style:
Choose 3mg if:
- You use sub-ohm kits
- You like big clouds
- You want mild nicotine
Choose 1.5mg if:
- You’re cutting down
- Want to flavour over throat hit
- Vape often, but don’t want strong nicotine
Choose 6mg if:
- plan to use an MTL kit
- want a stronger hit
- Vape less often
Each strength works for different needs. But for most shortfill users, 3mg is the best balance.
Final Thoughts
Working out how many nicotine shots for 100ml is actually very simple once you understand the basics. Most vapers only need two shots to make 3mg, which is the most common choice for shortfills. If you prefer lighter or stronger levels, you can adjust the number of shots based on your taste. Shortfills make vaping flexible, easy, and enjoyable. Once you know how to mix them properly, you can always create the perfect vape for your own style.
