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Tuesday, 20 October 2026Independent vape reviews, guides & culture

Coil Resistance Explained: What the Ohms Are Telling You

Ohms, sub-ohm and why that little number on your coil matters more than you'd think.

Guides Desk1 min read
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Box mod and tank among coins and vintage objects
Illustrative photo: satyam vk / Unsplash

Every coil is labelled with a resistance, measured in ohms (Ω). It’s one of the most useful numbers in vaping — and one of the most misunderstood.

The rule of thumb

  • Higher resistance (roughly 1.0Ω and above) tends to suit MTL, lower power and higher nicotine.
  • Lower resistance (below 1.0Ω, “sub-ohm”) tends to suit DTL, higher power and lower nicotine.

Why it matters

Resistance affects how much power a coil needs and the style of vape it produces. Running a coil well outside its intended range can lead to poor flavour or a burnt taste.

Check the coil

Most coils print a recommended power range on the side. Start at the lower end and increase gradually. See why does my coil taste burnt?

See how resistance fits into vaping styles in MTL vs DTL.

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