A Guide to Nic Shot Calculator & Shortfill Mixing

Mixing e-liquid to the right strength can feel tricky, especially if you’re working with shortfill bottles and separate nicotine shots. That’s where a nic shot calculator comes in handy. Instead of guessing or doing messy maths, you can quickly see how many 10ml shots you’ll need to reach your preferred strength. Whether you’re topping up a 50ml bottle or stretching a 100ml shortfill, the nicotine shot calculator takes out the confusion and gives you a clear result. This guide is designed to help vapers enjoy a smoother, more accurate mix every time.

Nic shots are small 10ml bottles of concentrated nicotine designed to be added to larger bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid, known as shortfills. They come in strengths of 18mg or 20mg, which is then diluted down when mixed with your shortfill to reach your preferred nicotine level.

Most nic shots are flavourless, so they won’t interfere with the taste of your chosen e-liquid. You’ll find nice shots in different VG/PG ratios such as 70:30 or 80:20. Make sure to match this ratio to your shortfill in order to ensure consistent flavour, vapour production, and coil performance.

Why Are Nic Shots Needed?

Nic shots were launched after the introduction of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) in 2016, which came into full effect in 2017. Under the rules, bottles with nicotine could not be sold in sizes larger than 10ml and were capped at a maximum strength of 20mg.

As a result, these bottles were introduced as big bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid with space left to add nic shots. Once mixed, they create a full-strength vape juice in larger quantities. This approach not only keeps vapers within the law but also helps manufacturers reduce compliance costs while still offering a wide range of flavours and bottle sizes.

A nic shot calculator is a simple tool that helps vapers work out how much nicotine shot to add to a shortfill bottle to reach their preferred strength.

Since shortfills are sold without nicotine (because of TPD rules), you need to mix in nic shots yourself. The calculator does the maths for you, taking into account:

• Bottle size (e.g. 50ml, 100ml shortfill)
• Nicotine shot strength (usually 18mg or 20mg in 10ml bottles)
• Desired nicotine level (like 3mg, 6mg, etc.)

Instead of guessing or manually calculating, the nic shot calculator gives you the exact number of shots to add, so your vape juice ends up smooth, consistent, and at the strength you want.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Enter Your Shortfill Bottle Size

The first step is to add the size of the shortfill bottle you’re using. Shortfills come in several common sizes:

• 50ml shortfill in a 60ml bottle (leaves space for one 10ml nic shot)
• 100ml shortfill in a 120ml bottle (leaves space for two nic shots)

Example:

You’ve bought a 50ml shortfill of fruit-flavoured e-liquid in a 60ml bottle. The calculator needs to know it’s a 50ml shortfill, not the full bottle size, so that it can calculate the final mix after adding nicotine.

Step 2: Enter the Strength of Your Nic Shot

Nic shots are usually sold in 18mg or 20mg strengths, although some may vary slightly. This number is the concentration of nicotine in the 10ml nicotine shot bottle.

Example:

You’ve got an 18mg Nic shot. Type “18” into the calculator when it asks for nic shot strength.

Step 3: Enter Your Desired Nicotine Strength

This is the nicotine level you want your final e-liquid to be. The most common strengths are:

• 1.5mg (very light)
• 3mg (standard for sub-ohm vapers)
• 6mg (good for RDTL)

Example 3:

You’re aiming for 3mg strength in your 60ml bottle. So, enter 3mg.

Step 4: Wait for Results

Once you’ve entered the bottle size, nic shot strength, and desired nicotine level, the calculator tells you how many nic shots to add.

Example:

• Shortfill: 50ml
• Nic shot strength: 18mg
• Desired nicotine level: 3mg
• Calculator result: Add one 10ml 18mg nic shot to the 50ml shortfill.
• Final bottle: 60ml at 3mg strength.

Table 1: How many nic shots to add to 50ml shortfill?

Table 2: How many nic shots to add to 100ml shortfill?

Step 1: Opening Your Shortfill Bottle

Shortfill bottles are designed with a little extra space at the top so you can add nicotine. To get started, you’ll need to remove the nozzle. Hold the bottle firmly. Use your thumb or a flat tool to gently pop off the dripper cap. Set the nozzle aside in a clean place; you’ll need it again once the nic shot is in.

Step 2: Adding Nic Shot

Now it’s time to add the nicotine. A nic shot is usually a 10ml bottle of flavourless nicotine in either 18mg or 20mg strength. You just squeeze it into the shortfill bottle.

Step 3: Shake Thoroughly to Blend

Once the nicotine shot is in, replace the nozzle tightly and screw the cap back on. Shake the bottle for at least one to two minutes. You want the nicotine and e-liquid to mix evenly. Next, fill it in your device.

Here is the list:

Nic Nic 10ml Nicotine Shot

Nicotine strength: 18mg

VG/PG: 70% VG / 30% PG

The Nic Nic 10ml Nicotine Shot is one of the most widely used options in the UK. At 18mg strength, it’s designed to be mixed with shortfills to achieve a smoother vape. When mixed with shortfills, these can be used in advanced sub-ohm kits or pods with low-resistance coils.

Best pairings (Shortfills):

• Black Astaire 50ml Shortfill
• Bar Series Grape 100ml

Nicotine Shot 10ml by Nic Nic

Nicotine Strength: 15 mg and 18mg

VG/PG: 18MG: 100% VG | 15MG: 70% VG

The 18mg version is formulated with 100% VG, making it ideal for sub-ohm tanks and cloud-based setups. The 15mg version, with a 70% VG ratio, offers a slightly thinner mix that still supports good vapour output. Try the Nicotine Shot 10ml by Nic Nic for a smooth and reliable way to boost your e-liquid nicotine strength.

Both variants are TPD-compliant, supplied in 10ml bottles for easy mixing, and designed to blend into shortfills without affecting flavour stability.

Best (Shortfills):

Nasty Juice 50ml Shortfill

Ice Shots 10ml by Nic Nic (18mg)

Nicotine Strength: 18mg VG/PG: 70/30

Ideal for vapers who enjoy fruit or soda flavours but want that icy edge, it’s a simple way to refresh your favourite shortfill. The 70/30 VG/PG balance ensures a smooth sub-ohm experience. For users who don’t want to buy separate cooling agents, this all-in-one nic shot is a convenient and flavour-enhancing option. Try the Ice Shots 10ml by Nic Nic (18mg) for a cooling twist to your e-liquids.

Best pairings (Shortfills):

• Seriously Fruity Strawberry Kiwi

Love Your Coil Nic Shot 18mg

Nicotine Strength: 18mg

VG/PG: 100% VG

At 18mg strength, it’s perfect for turning shortfills into 3mg nicotine liquids without compromising flavour. Its high VG ratio caters to cloud chasers and sub-ohm devices.

Best pairings:

• Just Juice Ice Wild Berries & Aniseed
• Uncle's Vape Co Slush

Ice Shots 10ml by Nic Drip (18mg)

Nicotine Strength: 18mg

VG/PG: 70/30

Nic Drip’s Ice Shot gives you a strong nicotine hit with an instant blast of cooling menthol. It’s popular among vapers who prefer fruity or candy-style shortfills but want a sharper, refreshing finish. The 70/30 VG/PG mix makes it suitable for high-powered tanks and sub-ohm devices.

Best pairings (Shortfills):

• Uncle's Vape Co Fizzy
• Uncle's Vape Co Cherry Menthol