DIY E-Juice Calculator

Precisely craft your own vape juice recipes from scratch.

Your E-Juice Recipe

What is an E-Juice Calculator?

An e-juice calculator, also known as an e-liquid or DIY recipe calculator, is an essential tool for vapers who want to create their own vape juice. It takes the guesswork out of mixing by providing the exact measurements for each component: nicotine base, Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), and flavorings. Using an e-juice calculator ensures accuracy, safety, and consistency for every batch you make.

This tool is designed for everyone from beginners just starting their DIY journey to experienced mixers looking for a quick and reliable way to calculate new recipes. By inputting your desired final volume, nicotine strength, and PG/VG ratio, the calculator handles all the complex math, including adjustments for the liquid base of your nicotine and flavorings.

E-Juice Calculator Formula and Explanation

The core of any e-juice calculator is a set of formulas that determine the volume of each ingredient. The primary goal is to dilute a high-concentration nicotine base and combine it with PG, VG, and flavors to achieve the desired final product.

Here are the fundamental calculations the tool performs:

• Flavor Amount (mL) = Total Amount (mL) * (Flavor % / 100)
• Nicotine Amount (mL) = (Desired Strength / Nicotine Base Strength) * Total Amount (mL)
• Total PG needed (mL) = Total Amount (mL) * (Desired PG % / 100)
• Total VG needed (mL) = Total Amount (mL) * (Desired VG % / 100)

The calculator then determines how much PG and VG are already contributed by your nicotine and flavor bases, and tells you how much additional “standalone” PG and VG you need to add to hit your target ratio. This is a key step where a reliable vape juice recipe tool shines.

E-Juice Calculation Variables

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Target Amount	The total volume of e-liquid you wish to produce.	mL	10 – 500 mL
Target Strength	The final desired nicotine concentration in your e-liquid.	mg/mL	0 – 18 mg/mL
Nicotine Base Strength	The concentration of your nicotine liquid concentrate.	mg/mL	36 – 100 mg/mL
Flavor Percentage	The total percentage of flavorings in the mix.	%	5 – 25%
PG/VG Ratio	The ratio of Propylene Glycol to Vegetable Glycerin.	%	20/80 to 80/20

Practical Examples

Example 1: Standard 3mg, 70/30 VG/PG Mix

Let’s say you want to make 60mL of e-juice with a final nicotine strength of 3mg/mL and a 70% VG / 30% PG ratio. You are using a 100mg/mL nicotine base in 100% PG, and your flavors (totaling 12%) are also PG-based.

• Inputs: Target Amount: 60mL, Target Strength: 3mg, Nic Base: 100mg, Flavors: 12%, Target PG: 30%, Nic Base is 100% PG.
• Results:
  • Nicotine Base: 1.80 mL
  • Flavoring: 7.20 mL
  • Additional PG: 9.00 mL
  • Additional VG: 42.00 mL

Example 2: High Nicotine, 50/50 Pod System Mix

Now, imagine you want a 10mL bottle for a pod system with a 12mg/mL strength and a 50/50 PG/VG ratio. You’re using the same 100mg/mL nicotine in 100% PG, with 15% PG-based flavoring.

• Inputs: Target Amount: 10mL, Target Strength: 12mg, Nic Base: 100mg, Flavors: 15%, Target PG: 50%, Nic Base is 100% PG.
• Results:
  • Nicotine Base: 1.20 mL
  • Flavoring: 1.50 mL
  • Additional PG: 2.30 mL
  • Additional VG: 5.00 mL

How to Use This E-Juice Calculator

1. Enter Total Amount: Start by deciding the total batch size you want to make, in milliliters (mL).
2. Set Nicotine Levels: Input your desired final nicotine strength and the strength of the nicotine concentrate you are using. If you want zero nicotine, enter 0 for the desired strength.
3. Add Flavor Percentage: Enter the total percentage for all your flavorings combined. Check our guides on flavor percentages if you’re unsure.
4. Define Ratios: Input your desired PG percentage. The calculator automatically determines the VG. Then, specify the PG/VG ratio of your nicotine base.
5. Select Flavor Base: Choose whether your flavorings are PG-based or VG-based from the dropdown. The vast majority are PG-based.
6. Review Your Recipe: The calculator instantly updates, showing you the precise amount of each ingredient to add. It displays the results in both milliliters (mL) and grams (g) if you prefer to measure by weight for higher accuracy. The values in grams depend on the specific gravity of each component. Our mixing by weight guide explains this in detail.

Key Factors That Affect E-Juice Mixing

• Accuracy of Measurements: Using calibrated syringes or a digital scale measuring to 0.01g is crucial for consistency.
• Nicotine Base Strength: Always double-check the strength of your nicotine concentrate. An error here can lead to a mix that is too harsh or too weak.
• PG/VG Ratio: This ratio dramatically affects the final vape experience. Higher PG gives more “throat hit” and carries flavor better, while higher VG produces denser clouds and is smoother. Learn about the differences in our PG vs VG article.
• Flavor Percentages: Different flavor concentrates have different strengths. What works at 5% for one flavor might need 15% for another. Start with lower percentages and adjust upwards.
• Steeping: Many e-juice recipes, especially those with creamy or dessert profiles, require time to “steep.” This allows the flavors to blend and mature, often improving the taste significantly.
• Safety: Always wear nitrile gloves and eye protection when handling high-strength nicotine. It is a toxic substance that can be absorbed through the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does my recipe show I need to add a negative amount of PG/VG?

This happens when the PG or VG content from your nicotine base and flavorings alone exceeds the target amount for your final mix. For example, if you want a high-VG mix but your nicotine and flavors are both 100% PG-based, it may be impossible to reach your target. The e-juice calculator will show an error. To fix this, try using a nicotine base with a different PG/VG ratio (e.g., a VG-based nicotine concentrate).

Can I use this e-juice calculator for nicotine salts?

Yes. The calculation is the same. Just enter the strength of your nicotine salt base (e.g., 100mg/mL) into the “Nicotine Base Strength” field and your desired final strength (e.g., 25mg/mL) into the “Desired Nicotine Strength” field.

What’s the difference between measuring by volume (mL) and weight (g)?

Measuring by weight is generally more accurate and cleaner, as it avoids dealing with multiple syringes. However, it requires a digital scale. Measuring by volume (mL) is perfectly acceptable but can be slightly less precise. Our calculator provides both values for your convenience.

How do I mix multiple flavors?

This e-juice calculator uses a single “Total Flavoring” percentage. If your recipe calls for 10% Strawberry and 5% Cream, you would enter 15% into the calculator. You would then add 10% of your total volume as Strawberry and 5% as Cream.

Why is PG the default for nicotine and flavor bases?

Propylene Glycol is a better solvent than Vegetable Glycerin, so it is more effective at carrying nicotine and flavor concentrates. While VG-based options exist, PG is far more common in the industry.

How long should I steep my DIY e-juice?

It depends on the flavor profile. Simple fruit recipes may be ready to vape in 1-3 days. Complex dessert or tobacco blends can take 2-4 weeks to fully mature. Check our e-juice steeping guide for more info.

Is making my own e-juice safe?

It is safe if you follow proper procedures. The biggest risk comes from handling high-strength nicotine. Always wear gloves, work in a clean area, and keep your supplies away from children and pets. Do your research and respect the ingredients.

What does “Max VG” mean?

“Max VG” is a common term for a mix where all available base liquid, after accounting for nicotine and flavorings, is Vegetable Glycerin. To achieve this with our e-juice calculator, simply set your “Desired PG %” to 0. The calculator will then only add VG.

Related Tools and Resources

Expand your DIY knowledge with our other helpful calculators and guides:

• Vape Coil Calculator: Perfect for builders who need to wrap their own coils for RDAs and RTAs.
• Ohm’s Law Calculator: An essential tool for understanding the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance for vape safety.
• The Complete Guide to Steeping E-Juice: Learn the science and art behind maturing your DIY creations for the best possible flavor.