Which nicotine strength should you choose for your e-liquid? The guide to choosing well
In short: there is no universal nicotine strength. The right dose depends on your habits, your equipment (pod or more powerful device), the coil and the way you vape. The maximum strength allowed in France is 20 mg/ml.
When you start vaping, one question comes up very often: which nicotine strength should you choose for your e-liquid? 3 mg/ml, 6 mg/ml, 12 mg/ml, 18 mg/ml… faced with the available strengths, it is hard to know which one fits your needs. In this guide, La Vapumerie explains the main points to better understand the different strengths.
Good to know: nicotine is an addictive substance. Vaping products containing nicotine are intended for adults. If your goal is to stop smoking, a healthcare professional can also support you.
What is the nicotine strength of an e-liquid?
The nicotine strength is the amount of nicotine in one millilitre of liquid, usually shown in mg/ml: a 3 mg/ml liquid contains 3 mg of nicotine per millilitre, a 12 mg/ml liquid contains 12 mg, and so on. The higher the number, the higher the concentration. But you should not choose your strength only from the number on the bottle: your equipment and the way you vape matter too.
Which nicotine strength should you choose when starting out?
No single strength suits every vaper. The choice depends on your previous nicotine habits if you were a smoker, but also on the type of e-cigarette: a small pod used with mouth-to-lung inhalation does not behave like a more powerful device producing a lot of vapor. Ask yourself:
- How much did you smoke before switching to vaping?
- Do you use a compact pod or more powerful equipment?
- Do you vape regularly or occasionally?
- What sensation do you look for when inhaling?
- Does your e-liquid give you a satisfying sensation?
Your equipment influences the choice of nicotine strength
With a pod or small device: used at fairly moderate power, they work with liquids of various strengths depending on your needs and the equipment. With a more powerful device: it produces more vapor with each puff; pay attention to the strength and the manufacturer's recommendations. More vapor does not mean you should automatically increase the nicotine strength: the liquid must be consistent with the equipment. See pod or e-cigarette: which to choose? (in French)
How do you know if the strength is right?
If your liquid does not give you the sensation you want, several things may be involved: the nicotine strength, the equipment, the power, the coil, the PG/VG ratio, how often you vape, or simply the flavor. Do not change the strength alone without considering everything else. If the nicotine sensation seems too strong, do not persist: stop using it and ask for advice. As nicotine is addictive, store nicotine e-liquids carefully, out of the reach of children.
The main nicotine strengths
| Strength shown | Concentration |
|---|---|
| 0 mg/ml | Nicotine-free |
| 3 mg/ml | Low concentration |
| 6 mg/ml | Medium concentration |
| 9 mg/ml | Medium concentration |
| 12 mg/ml | Higher concentration |
| 18 mg/ml | High concentration |
Note: this table is a general indication, not a personalized recommendation. In France, the nicotine strength of e-liquids is limited to 20 mg/ml for the products covered by this regulation. For the rules currently in force, see vaping in France in 2026 (in French).
Why doesn't the same strength suit everyone?
Imagine two people using a 6 mg/ml liquid: one uses a small pod and vapes regularly, the other a more powerful device that produces much more aerosol with each puff. Same strength on the bottle, but a very different vaping experience. Equipment, coil, power and liquid must work together as a consistent whole.
Regular nicotine or nicotine salts?
Nicotine salts are another form of nicotine used in some e-liquids. They can be offered at higher concentrations and are often associated with compact devices. Do not choose them only because a strength looks appealing: it depends on your equipment, your habits and the sensation you want. Our dedicated guide explains the difference: nicotine salts or regular nicotine?
Can you gradually change your nicotine strength?
Some people change their strength over time, for example to reduce their nicotine consumption. There is no need to systematically lower your strength just because you have been vaping for a long time. What matters is to understand what you use and to avoid changing several parameters at once for no reason. If your goal is to stop smoking or reduce your dependence, a healthcare professional can advise you.
Which nicotine strength for an e-liquid used with a pod?
Pods are popular for their compact format, but they do not all work the same way. Check the device's power, the installed coil, the type of inhalation, the manufacturer's recommendations and the recommended type of liquid. Do not choose your strength only because you use a pod: two different pods may need different settings and liquids. See which e-liquid for a pod? (in French)
How to choose your nicotine strength in practice
- Look at your equipment: type of e-cigarette, coil, power range.
- Think about your habits: if you were a smoker, take into account your usual consumption and your nicotine dependence.
- Read the strength shown on the bottle.
- Observe your sensations: if something does not suit you, the problem may come from the equipment, the coil or the liquid, not necessarily the strength.
- Ask for advice if in doubt: a few explanations often help you better understand equipment and liquids.
Nicotine strength is not the only criterion
The flavor, the PG/VG ratio, the equipment and the coil also play a part: it is better to think globally than to look for "the best strength". Read our guides which e-liquid to choose when starting out?, PG/VG: what do the ratios change? and, if you do not have equipment yet, how to choose your first e-cigarette.
FAQ – Which nicotine strength should you choose for your e-liquid?
Which nicotine strength should I choose to start vaping?
There is no universal dose: the choice depends on your nicotine habits, your equipment and the way you vape.
What is the maximum nicotine strength allowed in e-liquids in France?
For nicotine e-liquids covered by the regulation, the concentration is limited to 20 mg/ml.
Are there nicotine-free e-liquids?
Yes, usually shown as 0 mg/ml.
Are nicotine salts different from regular nicotine?
Yes: it is another form of nicotine, used in some e-liquids and devices. The choice depends on the equipment and the user's habits.
Can you gradually lower your nicotine strength?
Some people do. To reduce your consumption or stop smoking, a healthcare professional can support you.
How do I know if my e-liquid contains too much nicotine?
A nicotine sensation that is too strong can cause discomfort: stop using it and ask for advice to check that the strength and equipment are suitable.
Should you choose your strength only by the number of cigarettes smoked?
No. Cigarette consumption matters, but the equipment, power, coil and the way you vape also influence the choice.
Conclusion
Choosing your nicotine strength is not about picking a number on a bottle: the right choice depends on your habits, your equipment, your coil and the way you vape. Take the time to understand these elements rather than choosing at random, and ask for advice if in doubt: see our e-liquids or visit one of our shops in Paris.
Informational content intended for adults. The nicotine in these products is highly addictive. Use by non-smokers is not recommended.