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Definitive Nic Shot Booster Guide: mixing tables, formulas, PG/VG and safety
Everything about nic shots or boosters: what they are, how to calculate final nicotine, how to choose PG/VG, how to prepare mixes from 50 ml to 1 litre and what safety measures to follow.
Nicotine is an addictive substance. This guide is intended for adult smokers or vapers who need to adjust nicotine in shortfills, longfills, bases or DIY mixes.
Back to Index1. What a nic shot or nicotine booster is
A nic shot, also called a nicotine booster or nicoshot, is a 10 ml bottle containing nicotine in a PG/VG base. It is used to add nicotine to shortfills, longfills, neutral bases or DIY mixes.
Usual format
The most common European format is a 10 ml bottle at 20 mg/ml. This means each nic shot provides 200 mg of total nicotine.
What it is used for
It is used to adjust the final nicotine level of a large e-liquid without buying the finished liquid in 10 ml bottles.
2. How to choose the PG/VG ratio of your nic shot
A nic shot also changes the final liquid ratio. If you want to maintain a specific profile, choose a booster that matches the e-liquid or base you are preparing.
50PG / 50VG nic shot
The most versatile option. It works well in balanced liquids, pods, MTL devices and mixes where good fluidity matters.
High VG nic shot
Better suited to thicker liquids, high-VG shortfills, sub-ohm devices and open draws. It is not ideal for small pods.
Nicotine salts
Nic salt shots should be used in low-power devices and suitable coils. They are not recommended for sub-ohm or high-power devices.
3. Formula for calculating nic shots
The key is the final volume. The correct calculation is not based only on the initial liquid, but on the complete mix after adding the nic shots.
Main formula
Number of nic shots = (target nicotine × final volume) / total mg per shot
One 10 ml nic shot at 20 mg/ml contains 200 mg total.
Reverse formula
Final nicotine = total nicotine added / final volume
Example: 400 mg in 120 ml = 3.3 mg/ml.
Final volume
Final volume = initial liquid + added nic shots
If you add 2 nic shots to 100 ml, you finish with 120 ml.
4. Quick shortfill examples
Commercial shortfills usually have free space in the bottle for adding one or more nic shots.
| Initial liquid | 20 mg/ml nic shots | Final volume | Approx. final nicotine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ml | 1 nic shot | 60 ml | 3.3 mg/ml |
| 100 ml | 2 nic shots | 120 ml | 3.3 mg/ml |
| 100 ml | 3 nic shots | 130 ml | 4.6 mg/ml |
If the bottle does not have enough space, do not add nicotine directly without transferring first to a larger bottle.
5. Master table: 20 mg/ml nic shots by final volume
Number of 10 ml nic shots at 20 mg/ml needed to reach the desired strength according to the final volume of the mix.
| Final volume | 3 mg/ml | 6 mg/ml | 10 mg/ml | 12 mg/ml | 18 mg/ml |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ml | 0.75 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3 | 4.5 |
| 60 ml | 0.9 | 1.8 | 3 | 3.6 | 5.4 |
| 100 ml | 1.5 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 |
| 120 ml | 1.8 | 3.6 | 6 | 7.2 | 10.8 |
| 200 ml | 3 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 18 |
| 500 ml | 7.5 | 15 | 25 | 30 | 45 |
| 1,000 ml | 15 | 30 | 50 | 60 | 90 |
This table uses 20 mg/ml nic shots.
Important note about decimal quantities
When the table says 1.5 nic shots, it means 15 ml of nic shot. If you need to measure half a bottle, use clean and accurate measuring equipment. If you cannot measure it safely, choose a recipe using full bottles.
6. Nic shot safety and handling
Nic shots contain nicotine and should be handled carefully. They are not products for minors, non-smokers or pets.
- Skin contact: if liquid touches your skin, wash the area immediately with soap and water.
- Eyes or mouth: avoid any contact. In case of splash, rinse with plenty of water and seek medical assistance.
- Storage: store nic shots in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Safe environment: keep nic shots, nicotine bases and mixes away from children and pets.
- Labelling: write down date, final nicotine, number of shots and PG/VG ratio.
- Shaking: after adding nic shots, shake hard for at least 1 minute to homogenise the mix.
Frequently asked questions about nic shots
How do I mix 1 litre of base at 3 mg/ml?
To obtain 1 litre final at 3 mg/ml using 20 mg/ml nic shots, you need 15 nic shots, meaning 150 ml of nic shot. The nicotine-free base before mixing should be 850 ml to finish with 1,000 ml total.
Do I need to let the liquid rest after adding a nic shot?
For a ready-to-vape shortfill, shaking very well is usually enough. For mixes with flavour concentrates, respect the steeping time recommended for the flavour.
What if a nic shot turns darker?
Nicotine can darken due to oxidation. A yellowish or pinkish tone can be normal. If it is very dark, smells bad or looks unusual, it is better not to use it.
Can I use nicotine salt shots in any liquid?
They are not suitable for every device. Nicotine salts work better in low-power devices, pods and suitable coils. Avoid them in sub-ohm or high-power devices.
Why is the nicotine not exact when I add full bottles?
Because nic shots increase the final volume. If you add full bottles to a fixed amount of liquid, the final result depends on the total ml after mixing, not only on the initial liquid.
Want to prepare your mix with the right nicotine level?
