If you are new to vaping or switching from cigarettes, one of the first things you may want to understand is how much nicotine is actually in your vape. With so many options available, it can be difficult to figure out what strength suits you best and how it compares to smoking.
This guide explains how nicotine is measured in vapes, how much you might be taking in and how to stay in control of your intake.
How is nicotine measured in vapes?
Nicotine strength in vape liquids is measured in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml). This tells you how much nicotine is present in each millilitre of liquid. In the UK, the legal limit for nicotine strength in standard vape juice is 20mg/ml.
This applies to both freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Nicotine salt is more commonly used in modern pod systems because it delivers a smoother throat hit and is absorbed more quickly.
How much nicotine is in a typical pod?
A standard pod contains 2ml of e-liquid. If that pod uses 20mg/ml nicotine salt, it contains 40 milligrams of nicotine in total.
This is the case for many popular devices on the market. For example, the Lost Mary BM6000 comes with a 2ml prefilled pod and a 10ml refill bottle, giving you 12ml of e-liquid in total. At 20mg/ml, that adds up to 240 milligrams of nicotine across the full kit.
However, not all of that nicotine is absorbed. Your body only takes in a portion depending on how often you vape, how deeply you inhale and the efficiency of the device.
How does that compare to cigarettes?
A typical cigarette contains about 10 to 12 milligrams of nicotine, but you only absorb 1 to 2 milligrams from each one. A full pack of 20 cigarettes delivers around 20 to 40 milligrams of absorbed nicotine.
This means a single 2ml vape pod at 20mg/ml offers roughly the same nicotine content as one or two packs of cigarettes, depending on how it is used. The key difference is that you use a vape gradually over time rather than all at once.
What is a low, medium or high strength?
Here is a general guide to help you understand nicotine strengths in vapes:
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3 to 6mg/ml: Low strength, usually for light or social vapers
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10 to 12mg/ml: Medium strength, suited to moderate smokers
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18 to 20mg/ml: High strength, recommended for heavy smokers or those switching from a pack a day
In the UK, anything over 20mg/ml is not legal to sell. If you see products offering higher levels, they may not meet UK regulations.
Do you absorb all the nicotine in a vape?
No. While a vape pod might contain 40 milligrams of nicotine, your body will only absorb some of that. Factors that affect absorption include:
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Inhalation technique
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Puff length and frequency
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Nicotine tolerance
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Type of coil or device used
Nicotine salts are absorbed faster than traditional freebase nicotine, which is why they are popular with people trying to stop smoking. You may need fewer puffs to feel satisfied.
Can you reduce your nicotine over time?
Yes, and many people do. You can gradually reduce your nicotine strength by:
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Choosing lower-strength e-liquid
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Taking fewer puffs per session
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Switching to nicotine-free options over time
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Using refillable devices that give you more control over your liquid
Lowering your nicotine gradually makes it easier to avoid withdrawal symptoms and cravings. If your goal is to quit nicotine entirely, this approach can help you taper down safely.
Are high-nicotine vapes safe?
All legally sold vapes in the UK must follow safety regulations under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR). This includes limits on nicotine strength, ingredient quality and packaging. As long as you are buying from a trusted UK retailer, high-nicotine vapes are considered safe for adult smokers looking to switch.
That said, using more nicotine than your body needs can lead to side effects like dizziness, headaches or nausea. Listen to your body and adjust your strength if you are feeling over-stimulated or vaping more than intended.
Want more guidance?
Our full health guides section covers everything from oral health and cravings to nicotine strength, energy dips and common side effects. Each guide is written for UK vapers who want practical, easy-to-understand information.
Final thoughts
Most UK vapes contain up to 20mg of nicotine per millilitre, which means a typical 2ml pod has 40 milligrams of nicotine. How much you absorb depends on how you vape, how strong your liquid is and how often you use it.
If you are switching from smoking, start with a strength that satisfies your cravings, then reduce gradually if your goal is to cut back. If you are exploring flavour options or switching devices, the Lost Mary BM6000 collection offers a wide range of nicotine salt vape kits designed for a smooth and reliable experience.
Not sure how vape strength compares to cigarettes? Check how many cigarettes in a vape for a helpful breakdown.
If you’ve ever felt unwell after vaping, our guide on why does vaping make me feel sick could help you identify nicotine overload symptoms.