How Many Cigarettes In A Vape?

Vaping has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes. While both deliver nicotine, they do so through different methods. Smoking involves burning tobacco and inhaling the resulting smoke, whereas vaping involves heating a liquid (known as e-liquid or vape juice) and inhaling the resulting vapour.

Vape devices consist of a few key components: a battery, an atomiser (which contains a heating element), and a tank or cartridge that holds the e-liquid. The battery provides power to the atomiser, which heats the e-liquid and turns it into vapour for inhalation.

Nicotine Strength in Vape Juice

E-liquids come in various nicotine strengths, typically ranging from 0 mg/mL (nicotine-free) to 50 mg/mL (high nicotine concentration). The nicotine strength in e-liquids is usually displayed as milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of liquid (mg/mL) or as a percentage (e.g., 0.3% or 3 mg/mL).

Estimating Cigarette Equivalence

Calculating the number of cigarettes in a vape can be challenging, as it depends on several factors, such as the nicotine strength of the e-liquid and an individual's vaping habits. Generally, 1 mL of e-liquid with a nicotine strength of 18 mg/mL is estimated to be equivalent to around 20 cigarettes. However, this is a rough estimate and should not be taken as a definitive answer.

If you are looking to see how much you can save by switching over to vaping, rather than buying expensive packs of cigarettes, then check out our handy Vaping Cost Calculator. On average you an save £1400+ a year.

Vaping Style

How a person vapes can significantly impact the number of cigarettes a vape may be equivalent to. For instance, those who take longer, deeper puffs may consume more e-liquid and, consequently, more nicotine than someone who takes shorter, shallower puffs.

Device Power

The power of a vape device also affects the amount of e-liquid consumed. Higher-powered devices can produce more vapour and deliver more nicotine per puff, which can lead to an increased vape-to-cigarette ratio.

Vape Juice Composition

E-liquids can have varying compositions, with different ratios of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). E-liquids with higher VG content tend to produce more vapour, while those with more PG provide a stronger throat hit. The composition of the e-liquid can influence the amount of nicotine delivered per puff, which in turn impacts the number of cigarettes a vape is equivalent to.

Research suggests that vaping may be less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. This is because e-cigarettes do not produce tar or many of the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. In fact, Public Health England estimates that vaping is around 95% less harmful than smoking. As a result, many smokers have turned to vaping as a way to help them quit smoking or to reduce the harm associated with nicotine consumption.

While vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking, it is not without risks. Some studies have found that e-cigarette vapour can contain potentially harmful substances, such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Additionally, there is ongoing research on the long-term effects of vaping, as e-cigarettes have only been widely available for a relatively short period of time. It is important for users to weigh the potential risks and benefits before choosing to vape.