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Last updated: October 2026.
One of the most common questions we get is “which strength should I buy?” It is a good question, because CBD oils are labelled in different ways, and a higher number is not automatically better.
This guide explains what CBD percentages mean, how to work out how much CBD you are taking, and how to choose a strength that suits your routine and budget.
The short answer
- The percentage tells you how concentrated the oil is. In a 10ml bottle, 10% is 1000mg of CBD, about 5mg per drop.
- Most people start with a 10% oil and a small amount, then adjust slowly over a few weeks.
- Higher strengths are mainly about convenience and value: fewer drops for the same amount of CBD, and a lower cost per milligram.
- Stronger is not “better”. The right strength is the one that lets you take your chosen amount comfortably and consistently.
What do CBD percentages mean?
A CBD oil’s percentage tells you how much of the liquid is CBD. In a standard 10ml bottle, which holds about 200 drops:
| Strength | CBD per 10ml bottle | CBD per drop | Drops for 25mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | 500mg | 2.5mg | 10 |
| 10% | 1000mg | 5mg | 5 |
| 20% | 2000mg | 10mg | 2 to 3 |
| 30% | 3000mg | 15mg | about 2 |
Some brands label by total milligrams instead, or use 30ml bottles. Always check both the total CBD and the bottle size, then work out the CBD per drop.
How to work out your amount
- Find the total CBD in the bottle (for example, 1000mg).
- Divide by the number of drops in the bottle (about 200 in 10ml).
- That gives you mg per drop (1000 ÷ 200 = 5mg).
- Multiply by the number of drops you take (5 drops × 5mg = 25mg).
Choosing a strength
10%: the best place to start
Our CBD Oil 10% (1000mg) is our most popular oil. At about 5mg per drop, it is easy to start low and adjust a drop at a time. It suits most new users and anyone who takes a moderate amount each day. You can try it first with our €2 sample.
20%: for regular users
Our CBD Oil 20% (2000mg) gives about 10mg per drop. It suits people who have settled on a larger daily amount and want fewer drops and better value.
30%: our strongest oil
Our CBD Oil 30% (3000mg) gives about 15mg per drop and the lowest cost per milligram. It is for experienced users who know the amount that suits them. It is not a starting point.
Start low, go slow
- Week 1: 2 to 3 drops of a 10% oil (10 to 15mg) once a day.
- Week 2: keep the same, or add a drop if you want.
- Weeks 3 to 4: adjust by a drop or two at a time, staying within the label.
- Keep a short daily note so you can judge honestly.
If you find yourself taking 8 to 10 drops of a 10% oil, a 20% oil will usually be more convenient and better value. Our dosing guide and guide to strong CBD oils go into more detail.
Taking CBD oil properly
However strong your oil, how you take it makes a difference to consistency. Shake the bottle first, then fill the dropper and count your drops under the tongue. Hold them there for 60 to 90 seconds before swallowing, which many people find works better than swallowing straight away. Take it at the same time each day, either in the morning with breakfast or in the evening as part of winding down. If you forget a day, simply carry on the next day without doubling up.
Reading the label correctly
Labels can be confusing, so check three things on any bottle: the total CBD in milligrams, the bottle size in millilitres, and the suggested serving. From those, you can always work out the mg per drop. If a label only gives a percentage or a vague “strength” name such as “extra strong” without numbers, choose a different product. On our bottles, the percentage, total milligrams and bottle size are all stated clearly, and the lab report confirms the CBD content.
Comparing value
| Oil | Price | Cost per 100mg |
|---|---|---|
| 10% (1000mg) | €59.95 | about €6.00 |
| 20% (2000mg) | €100 | €5.00 |
| 30% (3000mg) | €139.95 | about €4.67 |
Higher strengths cost more per bottle but less per milligram. If you take a larger daily amount, they can save money over time.
Switching between strengths
When you move from 10% to 20%, halve the number of drops to keep the same amount of CBD. For example, 6 drops of 10% (30mg) becomes 3 drops of 20%. Moving from 10% to 30%, divide your drops by three. Change one thing at a time so you can tell how it suits you.
Why people settle on different amounts
There is no single “right” amount of CBD. People differ in body weight, metabolism and how consistently they take it, and they use CBD at different times of day for different parts of their routine. Some people are happy with 10mg a day; others settle on 30mg or more. Research studies have used a very wide range of amounts, often far higher than people take at home, so they are not a guide to what you need. The sensible approach is to start low, keep things consistent, and adjust slowly while keeping notes.
Strength in gummies and capsules
If you prefer not to count drops, gummies and capsules give you a fixed amount every time. Our CBD Gummies contain 15mg each, and our CBD Capsules contain 25mg each. Many people use oil to find the amount that suits them, then switch to gummies or capsules for convenience.
Common mistakes
- Starting with the strongest oil. It makes it harder to find a low starting amount and is not better value if you end up taking too much.
- Changing too often. Switching strengths or amounts every few days makes it impossible to judge what suits you.
- Comparing by bottle price. Always compare price per milligram.
- Not checking the bottle size. A 30ml bottle at 10% contains three times the CBD of a 10ml bottle at 10%.
- Ignoring the lab report. The percentage on the label is only meaningful if a lab confirms it.
What about pets?
Pet CBD oils are made in lower strengths and dosed by weight. Never give your pet a human CBD oil. See our pet CBD oils and talk to your vet first.
Who should be careful
Speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking CBD if you take any medication, especially blood thinners, epilepsy medicines, antidepressants or sedatives, or if you have a liver condition. Do not use CBD if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or under 18. If CBD makes you drowsy, do not drive.
All our oils are full-spectrum, THC-free and contain just hemp extract and hemp seed oil.
Frequently asked questions
What strength of CBD oil should a beginner use?
Most beginners start with a 10% oil at 2 to 3 drops a day.
Is a higher strength CBD oil better?
Not necessarily. Higher strengths mean fewer drops for the same amount and a lower cost per mg, but the right strength is the one that suits your routine.
How many mg of CBD is in a drop?
In a 10ml bottle, about 2.5mg for 5%, 5mg for 10%, 10mg for 20% and 15mg for 30%.
When should I move up to a stronger oil?
If you regularly take 8 to 10 drops of a 10% oil, a 20% oil is usually more convenient and better value.
How do I switch from 10% to 20%?
Halve the number of drops to keep the same amount of CBD.
Is your 30% oil suitable for beginners?
No. It is for experienced users who know the amount that suits them.
Do your oils contain THC?
No. All our oils are THC-free.
Can I take CBD gummies instead of oil?
Yes. Our gummies contain 15mg each and capsules 25mg each, which suits people who prefer a fixed amount.
Does a stronger oil work faster?
No. Strength affects how much CBD is in each drop, not how quickly it is noticed. Taking oil under the tongue is usually quicker than swallowing it.
How long will a bottle last?
A 10ml bottle has about 200 drops. At 5 drops a day, that is about 40 days.
What does 1000mg CBD oil mean?
It means the bottle contains 1000mg of CBD in total. In a 10ml bottle, that is a 10% oil with about 5mg per drop.
Is a 5% oil worth buying?
A 5% oil gives about 2.5mg per drop, which suits people who want very small amounts. Most people find a 10% oil more practical.
Can I mix two strengths?
It is simpler to use one strength at a time so you always know how much CBD you are taking.
Disclaimer: CBD is sold as a food supplement. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
