WARNING:This product contains nicotine.Nicotine is an addictive chemical.
When choosing a disposable vape, you may notice nicotine strength labeled in two different ways: mg/ml and percentage (%). This often confuses users—does 20mg/ml mean the same as 2%?
This guide explains how nicotine strength is measured, provides a simple conversion chart, and shows why it matters for your vape choice.
🔬 Nicotine Strength Basics
Nicotine strength tells you how much nicotine is present in each milliliter of e-liquid. It can be written as:
- mg/ml → milligrams of nicotine per milliliter
- % (percentage) → grams of nicotine per 100ml of e-liquid
👉 Quick formula:
% × 10 = mg/ml
For example:
- 1% = 10mg/ml
- 2% = 20mg/ml
- 5% = 50mg/ml
👉 Related reading: Nicotine Strength Explained: What It Means for Disposable Vapes
📊 Nicotine Conversion Chart
Here’s a simple chart comparing % to mg/ml, with examples of where they are commonly found:
Percentage | mg/ml Equivalent | Common in Market | Example Device |
---|---|---|---|
1% | 10mg/ml | Asia, EU (low strength) | Airis Aura |
2% | 20mg/ml | EU TPD legal max | Airis PuriPod SE |
3% | 30mg/ml | US mid-strength | Airis PuriPod i5 |
5% | 50mg/ml | US, Southeast Asia | Airis Neo-P40000 |
👉 Related reading: 1% vs 2% vs 5%: The Ultimate Nicotine Strength Guide
🌍 Why the Conversion Matters
- Cross-market clarity: A product labeled 20mg/ml in Europe is the same as 2%.
- Consumer confidence: Prevents confusion when shopping internationally.
- Regulatory awareness:
- EU law (TPD) limits nicotine to 2% (20mg/ml)
- US & Southeast Asia allow up to 5% (50mg/ml)
👉 External reference: EU Tobacco Products Directive
👉 External reference: FDA ENDS Guidance
👥 Practical Tips for Vapers
- Beginners: Start at 1% or 2% to avoid a harsh throat hit.
- Heavy smokers: 5% (50mg/ml) provides stronger satisfaction.
- Flavor seekers: Lower nicotine lets flavor shine without overpowering buzz.
💡 “In our consumer tests, users who enjoyed social vaping preferred 1–2%, while heavy smokers transitioning from cigarettes reported higher satisfaction with 5%.” — Airis R&D Team
👉 Related reading: How to Choose the Right Nicotine Strength
🚭 Nicotine Conversion & Quitting Smoking
Many smokers use conversion knowledge to step down gradually:
- Start at 5% (50mg/ml) to manage cravings
- Move to 2% (20mg/ml) after 2–3 months
- Transition to 1% (10mg/ml) for long-term maintenance
👉 Related reading: Step-Down Nicotine Guide for Quitting Smoking
✅ Key Takeaways
- Nicotine strength is expressed as mg/ml or %, and they are directly convertible.
- Formula: % × 10 = mg/ml
- Regulations matter: EU max 2%, US & Asia up to 5%
- Conversion charts help vapers choose wisely across different markets
👉 Next: Nicotine Strength Comparison: 1% vs 2% vs 5%
❓ FAQ: Nicotine Conversion
Q1: Is 20mg/ml the same as 2%?
Yes. 20mg/ml equals 2% nicotine strength.
Q2: Why do some vapes use % while others use mg/ml?
It depends on regional labeling standards—Europe prefers %, while the US often uses mg/ml.
Q3: What’s the highest nicotine strength allowed in Europe?
The EU TPD law caps it at 2% (20mg/ml).
Q4: Is 50mg/ml safe for beginners?
No. 50mg/ml (5%) is very strong and mainly recommended for heavy smokers.
👉 Related reading: Best 5% Disposable Vapes in 2025