How to Choose Nicotine Strength for E-liquids (The Ultimate 2026 Vaper's Guide)

Welcome to the smoke-free life! Making the switch from traditional cigarettes to vaping is arguably the best health decision you can make. But if you’re a new vaper, you’ve probably hit the first big speed bump: How do you actually choose the right nicotine strength?

It’s confusing. You see numbers like 20mg, 10mg, 3mg, and it all feels like a complex science experiment.

The good news is that by 2026, the technology—especially Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts)—has made this conversion easier and more satisfying than ever before. Whether you’re moving directly from smoking or transitioning away from disposables, getting the strength right is the single most important factor in making your switch successful.

The goal of this guide is simple: We’re going to help you match your past smoking habit to the perfect E-liquid strength, ensuring you get the smooth, satisfying hit you need to put the cigarettes down for good.

Understanding the Fundamentals: Nicotine Types and Strengths

Before we talk about conversion, let’s quickly break down what those numbers mean and why the type of nicotine matters, especially for new vapers.

Nicotine Salts vs. Freebase Nicotine (The 2026 Standard)

For a long time, all E-liquids used Freebase Nicotine. This is great for low strengths (like 3mg or 6mg) but becomes harsh on the throat at higher levels, making it difficult for heavy smokers to get the satisfaction they needed.

Enter Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts).

Nic Salts, like those found in Pod Salt liquids, are revolutionary because they offer:

1. Smoother Inhale: You can vape high concentrations (like 20mg) without a harsh throat hit.
2. Faster Absorption: They enter the bloodstream much faster than freebase, closely mimicking the speed and satisfaction of smoking a traditional cigarette (the "nicotine hit").

The takeaway for new vapers? If you were a regular smoker, you almost certainly want to start with a Nic Salt, as it gives you the best chance of satisfying those cravings quickly and completely.

Cigarettes to Coils: The Crucial Conversion Chart

This is the most critical section. Your mission when starting is not to reduce nicotine, but to eliminate cigarettes. You must start at a strength that fully satisfies your cravings, otherwise, you'll reach for a cigarette.

Find yourself in the chart below to determine the ideal starting strength.

Important Note: If you are unsure, always start slightly higher. It is far better to feel slightly over-nicotinised and then drop down, than to feel unsatisfied and return to smoking.

Signs You Need to Adjust Your Strength

Listen to your body. Once you've been vaping for a day or two, you'll know if the strength is right.

You Need to Go UP (Strength is Too Weak)

• You are constantly "Chain Vaping" (taking puff after puff, never feeling satisfied).
• You still feel persistent, background cravings.
• You find yourself reaching for a cigarette "just in case."

You Need to Go DOWN (Strength is Too Strong)

• You feel dizzy, lightheaded, or slightly nauseous (often called 'nicotine sickness').
• You experience a headache shortly after vaping.
• The inhale is still too harsh, even with a Nic Salt (though this is rare).

If you’re experiencing the signs of too much nicotine, simply switch to the next lower strength (e.g., from 20mg to 11mg).

The Role of Your Vaping Device

Nicotine strength and your device wattage are intrinsically linked. You cannot use a high strength in a powerful device.

1. Low-Wattage/MTL Devices (Pod Kits, Starter Kits): These devices use a restricted airflow (Mouth-to-Lung, like a cigarette) and produce smaller amounts of vapour. These are your best friends as a new vaper. Because they produce less vapour, they need the higher concentration of Nic Salts (11mg or 20mg) to deliver enough nicotine per puff. Pod Salt is formulated specifically for these systems.
2. High-Wattage/DTL Devices (Sub-Ohm Mods): These devices produce huge, dense clouds (Direct-to-Lung). You inhale massive amounts of E-liquid and vapour per puff. If you used 20mg in one of these, you would become instantly dizzy! They are only suitable for very low strengths (3mg or 6mg Freebase).

In summary: If you are a heavy or moderate smoker, stick to a Pod Kit and a Nic Salt for the first few months.

Reducing Your Nicotine Intake: The Exit Strategy

Once you are happily smoke-free for a few months, you can turn your attention to reducing your nicotine. The beauty of vaping is that you control the pace.

1. Start High, Stabilise: Commit to your initial high strength (20mg or 11mg) until the cravings for cigarettes are completely gone.
2. Step Down Gradually: When you feel ready (usually after 3-6 months), drop to the next strength down (e.g., from 20mg to 11mg, or 11mg to 5mg). Give your body a few weeks to adjust. Do not rush this.
3. The Final Stage: The ultimate goal for many is to reach 0mg.

Pod Salt makes this transition simple, offering clear, satisfying steps from 20mg down to 5mg, ensuring the reduction process is as smooth as possible.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Success

Choosing the right strength is the key that unlocks your successful vaping journey. By matching your old smoking habit to the appropriate Nic Salt level—and using a simple, effective pod device—you can make the transition smooth, satisfying, and permanent.

Ready to find your perfect strength?

Explore the full range of Pod Salt Nic Salts—available in 5mg, up to the maximum-strength 20mg—and start your smooth, smoke-free life today!