Short fill e-liquids are a simple option for people who want to choose whether or not to add nicotine. They come in larger bottles with some empty space left at the top. This space allows you to add a nicotine shot before using the e-liquid.
But how much nicotine shot should you add? The answer depends on the amount of e-liquid in the bottle, the strength of the nicotine shot, and the nicotine level you want in the finished liquid.
Getting the calculation right is important because adding different amounts of nicotine will change the final strength. Once you understand the basic calculation, mixing a short fill becomes much easier.
What Is a Short Fill?
A short fill is a bottle of e-liquid that is not completely filled. The e-liquid inside is usually nicotine-free, while the extra space is left for adding a nicotine shot.
For example, you may have 50ml of e-liquid inside a 60ml bottle. The remaining 10ml of space is there so you can add a 10ml nicotine shot.
After adding the shot, the bottle contains 60ml of e-liquid. You then shake the bottle well to mix everything together.
This gives you more control over the amount of nicotine in your e-liquid or Short Fill E-Liquids . If you do not want nicotine, you can normally use the nicotine-free liquid without adding a shot, as long as the product instructions allow it.
What Is a Nicotine Shot?
A nicotine shot is a small bottle of e-liquid that contains nicotine. It is designed to be added to a short fill.
Nicotine shots are available in different strengths, so you should always check the label before adding one. The strength is normally shown in milligrams per millilitre, written as mg/ml.
The strength of the shot affects the final nicotine level. A stronger shot will give you a higher nicotine level when the same amount is added to the same amount of e-liquid.
This is why you should not simply add a shot without checking its strength and calculating the final result.
How Do You Calculate the Final Nicotine Strength?
The calculation is easier than it may first seem. You need to know how much nicotine shot you are adding, how strong the shot is, and what the total amount of e-liquid will be after mixing.
The basic formula is:
Final nicotine strength = (Shot volume × Shot strength) ÷ Final liquid volume
For example, imagine you have 50ml of nicotine-free e-liquid and add a 10ml nicotine shot with a strength of 18mg/ml.
First, calculate the total amount of liquid:
50ml + 10ml = 60ml
Next, calculate the total amount of nicotine:
10ml × 18mg/ml = 180mg
Now divide the nicotine amount by the final volume:
180mg ÷ 60ml = 3mg/ml
So, the finished 60ml bottle will contain approximately 3mg/ml of nicotine.
How Much Nicotine Shot Should You Add?
There is no single answer because different short fills and nicotine shots can have different sizes and strengths.
A common example is a 50ml short fill in a 60ml bottle. If you add one 10ml nicotine shot with a strength of 18mg/ml, the finished liquid will have a strength of about 3mg/ml.
If the nicotine shot has a different strength, the final result will also change.
Here is a simple example:
| E-Liquid | Nicotine Shot | Shot Strength | Final Volume | Final Nicotine Strength |
| 50ml | 10ml | 18mg/ml | 60ml | 3mg/ml |
| 50ml | 10ml | 12mg/ml | 60ml | 2mg/ml |
| 50ml | 10ml | 6mg/ml | 60ml | 1mg/ml |
These figures are based on adding the full 10ml shot to 50ml of nicotine-free e-liquid.
Why Does the Final Volume Matter?
The final volume is important because the nicotine is spread throughout the complete amount of liquid.
For example, if you add 10ml of nicotine shot to 50ml of e-liquid, you have 60ml in total. The nicotine is therefore spread across 60ml rather than 50ml.
If you add a different amount of liquid, the calculation changes.
This is also why you should look at the actual amount of e-liquid in the bottle instead of only looking at the bottle size. A 60ml bottle may contain 50ml of e-liquid and leave 10ml of space for the nicotine shot.
Can You Add Two Nicotine Shots?
In some cases, people may want to add more than one nicotine shot. However, doing this changes both the amount of nicotine and the final volume.
For example, adding two 10ml shots to 50ml of e-liquid gives you 70ml of liquid in total. The nicotine strength must then be calculated using the new final volume.
Before adding more than one shot, make sure there is enough space in the bottle. Never overfill the bottle.
It is also important to check the product instructions because short fills are designed with a particular amount of extra space in mind.
What If You Add Too Little Nicotine?
If you add less nicotine shot than your calculation requires, the final nicotine strength will be lower.
This may be fine if you prefer a lower nicotine level, but it will not produce the strength you originally planned.
For example, if your calculation is based on adding a full 10ml shot but you only add 5ml, the amount of nicotine in the finished liquid will be lower.
For a more accurate result, measure the amount carefully rather than guessing.
What If You Add Too Much Nicotine?
Adding more nicotine shot than planned will increase the final nicotine strength. It can also change the overall balance of the e-liquid.
Nicotine should be handled with care because it is an active substance. It is better to calculate the required amount before mixing rather than adding extra nicotine and trying to adjust the liquid later.
Always read the label and follow the handling instructions provided with your nicotine shot.
Does a Nicotine Shot Change the Flavour?
Adding a nicotine shot can slightly change the flavour of a short fill because the shot adds extra liquid to the original e-liquid.
The change may depend on the amount of shot added and the ingredients used in the short fill and shot.
Short fills are generally made with this mixing process in mind. When the recommended amount of nicotine shot is added, the finished e-liquid should have the intended balance.
If you add much more liquid than recommended, the flavour may become less strong because the original flavour is spread across a larger volume.
How to Mix a Short Fill
Mixing is straightforward, but it is important to take your time and check everything before starting.
First, check the amount of e-liquid in the bottle and the strength of your nicotine shot. Make sure there is enough space in the bottle for the amount you plan to add.
Next, add the correct amount of nicotine shot and close the bottle securely. Shake the bottle well so the nicotine is mixed evenly throughout the e-liquid.
Remember these simple points:
- Check the nicotine shot strength before adding it.
- Make sure the bottle has enough space.
- Calculate the final nicotine level before mixing.
- Shake the bottle thoroughly after adding the shot.
- Follow the product’s storage and handling instructions.
Nicotine-containing liquids should always be kept away from children and pets. If any liquid spills, clean it up promptly and wash your hands after handling it.
Do You Always Need a Nicotine Shot?
No. A nicotine shot is not always necessary. Short fills are generally sold without nicotine, giving you the choice to add it or leave it out.
If you prefer nicotine-free e-liquid, you can normally use the short fill without a nicotine shot. If you want nicotine, you need to choose the right amount based on the strength of the shot and your desired final level.
The most important thing is to check the product information before mixing.
What Should You Check Before Mixing?
Before adding anything to your short fill, take a moment to check the bottle and nicotine shot. Small differences in bottle size or shot strength can change the final result.
You should check:
- The amount of e-liquid already in the bottle.
- The empty space available for the nicotine shot.
- The strength of the nicotine shot.
- The final nicotine level you want.
- The manufacturer’s mixing instructions.
Taking a few minutes to check these details can help you avoid mistakes and get a more predictable result.
Overview
Working out how much nicotine shot you need for a short fill is mainly about understanding the bottle size, shot strength, and final volume. Once you know these three things, the calculation becomes much easier.
For a common 50ml short fill in a 60ml bottle, one 10ml nicotine shot at 18mg/ml gives a final strength of around 3mg/ml. However, different products may require different calculations.
Always check the label, follow the instructions, and handle nicotine-containing liquids carefully. By taking the time to calculate the amount correctly, you can prepare your short fill with a more accurate nicotine level.
For quality options and helpful information about e-liquids, FogFathers can help you find products that suit your preferences.
