A Complete Guide to Shortfill E-Liquids
Whether you’ve only just started vaping or have been vaping for years, there’s always something new to discover. With so many types of e-liquid and vaping equipment available, it’s not unusual to come across unfamiliar terms. That’s why we’ve created a series of easy-to-follow guides to help you understand vaping terminology and technology.
In this article, we’ll explain what shortfill e-liquids are, how to use them, and how to mix them correctly to achieve your preferred nicotine strength.
What Are Shortfill E-Liquids?
A shortfill e-liquid is a larger bottle of vape juice that contains no nicotine and is not filled to the top. The spare space allows vapers to add nicotine shots (also known as nic shots) if they wish.
Most shortfill bottles are available in 60ml or 120ml sizes, containing 50ml or 100ml of e-liquid respectively. However, other volumes such as 30ml or 80ml can also be found.
If you prefer nicotine-free vaping, you don’t need to add a nic shot at all – you can simply vape the liquid as it is. The only difference will be that your e-liquid remains nicotine-free and the bottle will have a small gap at the top.
How to Use Shortfill Vape Juice
Using a shortfill e-liquid is very straightforward and works just like any other vape juice. The key is to ensure you’re pairing the right type of e-liquid with the correct vape kit:
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High VG shortfills (e.g. 70/30 VG/PG blends) are designed for powerful vape kits that operate at over 40W, such as sub-ohm or direct-to-lung (DTL) devices.
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50/50 shortfills are better suited to lower-powered kits (around 35W or less), such as mouth-to-lung (MTL) vape kits.
How to Prepare a Shortfill E-Liquid
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Add your nicotine shot(s) – only if you wish to vape with nicotine.
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Shake the bottle thoroughly to ensure the nicotine mixes evenly with the e-liquid.
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Fill your vape tank or pod and enjoy your chosen flavour.
If you’re unsure how much nicotine to add, use the mixing table below to find the right amount for your preferred strength.
Mixing a Shortfill E-Liquid
Adding nicotine shots to your shortfill e-liquid is simple and allows you to customise your nicotine strength. The most common outcome is a 3mg nicotine e-liquid, which provides a light yet satisfying hit.
Shortfill bottles are intentionally designed with enough space to add the appropriate number of nicotine shots. The exact quantity depends on the strength of your nic shot and the volume of your e-liquid bottle.
Shortfill Nicotine Mixing Chart
| Bottle Size (ml) | Nicotine Shot Strength | Number of 10ml Nic Shots | Final Nicotine Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60ml | 18mg | ½ | 1.5mg |
| 60ml | 18mg | 1 | 3mg |
| 60ml | 18mg | 2 | 6mg |
| 120ml | 18mg | 1 | 1.5mg |
| 120ml | 18mg | 2 | 3mg |
| 120ml | 18mg | 3 | 4.5mg |
| 120ml | 18mg | 4 | 6mg |
| 60ml | 15mg | ½ | 1.25mg |
| 60ml | 15mg | 1 | 2.5mg |
| 120ml | 15mg | 2 | 2.5mg |
| 120ml | 15mg | 4 | 5mg |
If you’re interested in creating your own DIY shortfill e-liquids, these measurements can be a useful starting point. You may also wish to use an online e-liquid mixing calculator to accurately determine how much VG, PG and flavour concentrate you’ll need for your recipe.
Can I Use Shortfills in My Vape Kit?
Yes – shortfill e-liquids can be used with most modern vape kits. The key is to choose the right VG/PG ratio for your device:
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MTL vape kits (35W or less) perform best with 50/50 shortfills, offering a balanced throat hit and vapour production.
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Sub-ohm vape kits (40W or higher) are ideal for high VG shortfills, providing thicker clouds and a smoother inhale.
In short, there’s a shortfill e-liquid to suit every style of vaping and every type of kit.
Why Don’t Shortfills Contain Nicotine?
Under UK and EU TPD (Tobacco Products Directive) regulations, any e-liquid sold in bottles larger than 10ml cannot legally contain nicotine.
To comply with these rules, manufacturers produce nicotine-free shortfills and leave enough space for vapers to add their own nicotine shots. These regulations were introduced in May 2016 to ensure e-liquids are safe, consistent and of high quality across the industry.
Final Thoughts
Shortfill e-liquids offer flexibility, better value, and a wider range of flavours compared with standard 10ml bottles. Whether you prefer nicotine-free vaping or enjoy customising your nicotine strength, shortfills are a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy your favourite vape juice.
If you’re ready to explore, check out our shortfill e-liquid range to find the perfect flavour and VG/PG ratio for your vape kit.