Last updated: October 2026
CBD oil strength is the total amount of CBD in the bottle, shown in mg or as a percentage. A 10ml bottle with 500mg is 5% and gives about 2.5mg per drop; 1,000mg is 10% and about 5mg per drop. The same mg in a bigger bottle is weaker per drop. A stronger oil just means fewer drops.
Below: how to read mg and % labels, a strength chart, which strength to start with, how bottle size changes things, and what “strongest” really means.
Reading the label: mg vs %
- mg is the total CBD in the whole bottle, for example 1,000mg.
- % is CBD as a share of the liquid: 1,000mg in 10ml (roughly 10,000mg of oil) is about 10%.
- Per drop: a dropper releases roughly 20 drops per ml, so mg per ml divided by 20 gives mg per drop.
- Watch for “hemp” mg: “1,000mg hemp” or “hemp extract” isn’t the same as 1,000mg of CBD. Check the lab report.
Quick formula: total mg ÷ ml ÷ 20 = mg per drop. For 1,000mg in 10ml: 1,000 ÷ 10 ÷ 20 = 5mg per drop.
CBD oil strength chart
| Oil | Strength | CBD per drop | Drops for about 10mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broad Spectrum, Flow, Sleep or Relief (10ml) | 500mg (5%) | about 2.5mg | 4 |
| Broad Spectrum, Flow, Sleep or Relief (10ml) | 1,000mg (10%) | about 5mg | 2 |
| Broad Spectrum (10ml) | 2,000mg (20%) | about 10mg | 1 |
| Evolabs flavoured oils (30ml) | 500mg (1.67%) | about 0.8mg | 12 |
| Evolabs flavoured oils (30ml) | 1,000mg (3.33%) | about 1.7mg | 6 |
| Evolabs flavoured oils (30ml) | 2,000mg (6.67%) | about 3.3mg | 3 |
Drop sizes vary a little between droppers, so these are approximate. See how much CBD to take for the full dosing guide.
Why bottle size matters
A 1,000mg oil in a 30ml bottle is a third as strong per drop as 1,000mg in 10ml. Neither is “better”: the 30ml bottle needs more drops for the same dose but lets you adjust in smaller steps, which some beginners prefer. Always compare mg per ml, or mg per drop, not just the number on the front.
Which strength should I choose?
| If you… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Are new to CBD and want small steps | A 5% oil, or a 30ml flavoured oil |
| Know you take around 10 to 20mg a day | A 10% oil, so it’s 2 to 4 drops |
| Take larger amounts and want fewer drops | A 20% oil |
| Want an exact amount with no taste | Capsules. See CBD oil vs capsules |
Whatever the strength, start low, around 10mg a day. The FSA’s 10mg a day figure is precautionary advice rather than a legal limit, set while longer-term safety research continues. At Evopure we think it is a very cautious figure, and many adults use more. If you go above it, increase slowly, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication.
500mg vs 1,000mg: what’s the difference?
In the same size bottle, 1,000mg has twice as much CBD per drop, so you need half as many drops and the bottle lasts twice as long at the same daily dose. It doesn’t work “twice as well”: the effect depends on how many mg you take, not the bottle strength. Higher strengths usually cost less per mg. See why CBD oil costs what it does.
What’s the strongest CBD oil?
Some brands sell 30% or even 40% oils. A higher percentage isn’t more effective, just more concentrated, and very strong oils make it easy to take more than you intend from one drop. Whatever the label says, check the batch lab report confirms the CBD content and that THC is not detected. See how to read a lab report and full spectrum vs broad spectrum.
FAQs
What does 500mg CBD oil mean?
The whole bottle contains 500mg of CBD. In a 10ml bottle that’s 5%, or about 2.5mg per drop.
Is 1,000mg CBD oil strong?
In a 10ml bottle it’s 10%, a mid-range strength: about 5mg per drop. In a 30ml bottle it’s about 1.7mg per drop.
What strength CBD oil should a beginner use?
A 5% oil or a 30ml flavoured oil lets you start low and adjust in small steps. Start around 10mg a day.
How do I work out mg per drop?
Divide the total mg by the bottle size in ml, then by 20. For 1,000mg in 10ml: 1,000 ÷ 10 ÷ 20 = 5mg per drop.
Is a stronger CBD oil better?
No, just more concentrated. The effect depends on the mg you take, not the bottle strength.
What does 10% CBD oil mean?
10% of the liquid is CBD: 1,000mg in a 10ml bottle, or about 5mg per drop.
Sources
- GOV.UK. FSA consumer advice on CBD.
- Food Standards Agency. Cannabidiol (CBD) guidance for businesses.
