Shortfill Nic Shots Guide: Mix Ratios, Steeping and Real Costs

Bigger bottles, lower costs and your favourite flavours on hand. That is the promise of shortfills. If you have wondered how many nic shots to add, how long to steep, or which VG/PG works best for your kit, this guide has you covered.

Below, you will find a simple method to reach your target strength using standard 18 mg nic shots, a quick-reference mixing chart you can save, and a clear cost comparison so you can see the savings. We will also touch on UK rules so you stay compliant.

If you want to stock up, we highlight a few high-value shortfill ranges and nic shot multi-buys with free UK delivery over £30, 5% rewards and a price match promise.

What shortfills are and the UK rules

Shortfills are large bottles of 0 mg e-liquid, filled short to leave room for nicotine shots. Because UK law caps nicotine-containing bottles at 10 ml and 20 mg/ml, you buy your flavour in a bigger 0 mg bottle, then add 10 ml nicotine shots (typically 18 mg) to reach your desired strength. The final mix remains compliant because the nicotine comes from TPD-legal 10 ml shots.

Common formats:

• 50 ml shortfill in a 60 ml bottle (room for one 10 ml shot)
• 100 ml shortfill in a 120 ml bottle (room for two 10 ml shots)
• 120 ml ranges vary, so always check label headroom

High-VG blends such as 70VG/30PG are typical for shortfills and suit sub-ohm tanks and higher wattage kits.

The simplest way to calculate your final strength

When you add 18 mg/ml nic shots to a shortfill, your final nicotine strength depends on:

• How many shots you add
• The total final volume after adding the shots

A handy rule:

• One 18 mg 10 ml shot added to a 60 ml final bottle gives roughly 3 mg
• Two 18 mg 10 ml shots added to a 120 ml final bottle also give roughly 3 mg

If you ever forget, think in ratios. Each 18 mg shot contributes 180 mg of nicotine. Divide total nicotine by total ml to get final mg/ml.

Example: 50 ml shortfill + 1 x 18 mg 10 ml shot

• Nicotine added: 18 mg/ml x 10 ml = 180 mg total
• Final volume: 50 ml + 10 ml = 60 ml
• Final strength: 180 mg ÷ 60 ml = 3 mg/ml

Worked example: 100 ml 70/30 shortfill to 3 mg

You have Revenant Ice Blood Orange Ice 100 ml (0 mg, 70VG/30PG). You want 3 mg.

• Add two 18 mg 10 ml nic shots
• Final volume: 100 ml + 10 + 10 = 120 ml
• Nicotine: 18 x 10 + 18 x 10 = 360 mg
• Final strength: 360 mg ÷ 120 ml = 3 mg/ml

Tip: If you prefer slightly higher than 3 mg from a 100 ml shortfill, add three shots for approximately 4.15 mg in a 130 ml final volume, or add two shots plus remove 10 ml of shortfill first to keep a 110 ml final volume for about 3.27 mg. Most users keep it simple and round to 3 mg.

Quick mixing chart you can save

• 50 ml shortfill to 3 mg: Add 1 x 18 mg nic shot, final 60 ml, approx 3 mg
• 100 ml shortfill to 3 mg: Add 2 x 18 mg nic shots, final 120 ml, approx 3 mg
• 120 ml shortfill base to 3 mg (with 20 ml headroom): Add 2 x 18 mg nic shots, final 140 ml, approx 2.57 mg. To stay closer to 3 mg on a 120 ml base, either remove 20 ml of liquid first or choose a 100 ml shortfill format designed for two shots

For 6 mg using shortfills, you generally need a lot of shots and the liquid becomes very diluted. Most vapers who want 6 mg use 10 ml ready-made liquids instead.

Do you need to steep after adding shots?

For most shortfills, yes, a short steep helps. After adding nic shots:

• Shake vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes
• Leave the bottle capped in a cool, dark place for 24 to 48 hours
• Shake again before filling your tank

Fruity and icy blends often need only a day. Desserts can benefit from the full 48 hours. If flavour seems muted or harsh, extend steeping another day and swirl the bottle when you pass by.

Which VG/PG is right for your kit?

• 70VG/30PG: Best for sub-ohm tanks and higher wattage devices. Produces denser vapour and smoother inhale.
• 50/50 VG/PG: Best for pod kits and mouth-to-lung vaping. Delivers a sharper throat hit and wicks well in smaller coils.

Shortfills are typically 70/30 and pair nicely with sub-ohm or DTL setups. If you use a pod kit, consider 10 ml 50/50 liquids or nic salts for a better wick and more consistent pods.

How many nic shots for 50 ml, 100 ml and 120 ml?

• 50 ml: 1 shot for around 3 mg in 60 ml final volume
• 100 ml: 2 shots for around 3 mg in 120 ml final volume
• 120 ml base: Two shots land nearer 2.6 mg unless you remove some liquid first. Check your bottle’s headroom to plan accurately

Real costs: is vaping cheaper than smoking?

While exact spend varies, shortfills plus nic shots are typically far cheaper than smoking in the UK. A 100 ml shortfill taken to 3 mg usually delivers many tank refills at a sensible daily cost, often well below the price of regular cigarette purchases. If you are stepping down from disposables, shortfills used in a refillable sub-ohm kit usually beat disposables on ongoing cost.

Refilling a reusable device is generally cheaper than buying new vapes repeatedly. You also gain flexibility on flavour and strength and reduce waste.

Deals to make it even cheaper

• Save on high-VG ranges: Explore our selection of cheap shortfills, including Kingston clearance and new lines like Revenant Ice and VL
• Stack nic shot savings: Nic Drops Nic Shots multi-buy (Buy 2 Save 20%, Buy 5 Save 30%, Buy 10 Save 40%)
• Perks that add up: Free UK delivery over £30, 5% rewards on purchases, and our price match promise

Browse a value-packed range of shortfills and find big-bottle bargains in our shortfill selection. You can also jump straight to our 100 ml options if that is your usual size.

• Explore our best value shortfills: Shortfill deals and bundles at Red Box Vape: Shop cheap shortfills
• Go straight to 100 ml shortfills: Wide choice of flavours and brands: Shop 100 ml shortfills
• See current vape deals and offers: Multi-buys, price drops and rewards: View vape deals and offers

Device pairing tips

Use 70/30 shortfills with sub-ohm tanks or DTL kits at moderate wattage. Keep coils primed and avoid chain vaping immediately after mixing. If you prefer a pod kit or a tighter, cigarette-like draw, stick with 50/50 10 ml liquids or nic salts for better performance and coil life.

Frequently asked questions about shortfills and nic shots

Is vaping cheaper than smoking in the UK?

Typically yes. Shortfills plus nic shots in a refillable kit often undercut both cigarettes and disposables over time. Exact savings vary by how much you vape.

How do shortfills and nic shots work?

Shortfills are 0 mg larger bottles with space for 10 ml nicotine shots. Add 18 mg shots to reach your target mg/ml within UK limits.

How many nic shots for 50 ml and 100 ml?

50 ml needs 1 shot for about 3 mg. 100 ml needs 2 shots for about 3 mg in a 120 ml final mix.

Do I need to steep after adding shots?

Steep 24 to 48 hours for best flavour, shaking well before and after.

Which VG/PG is right for my kit?

70/30 suits sub-ohm and DTL. 50/50 suits pods and MTL.

Is it cheaper to refill or buy new vapes?

Refilling a reusable kit is generally cheaper than buying new disposables or closed pods repeatedly.

Final pointers and next steps

Shortfills give you bigger bottles, flexible nicotine and strong value without breaking UK rules. For a simple 3 mg target, remember the 1-in-60 and 2-in-120 rule. Shake, steep for a day or two, and match 70/30 to sub-ohm devices for best results.

Ready to save? Pick a flavour from our cheap shortfills, add Nic Drops Nic Shots with multi-buy savings, and enjoy free delivery over £30 plus 5% rewards. If you are unsure which bottle or VG/PG to choose, our team is here to help.