Wrap Count – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Wrap count is the number of complete loops, or wraps, in a coil that has been wound from resistancewire. Each full 360-degree turn around the coiling rod is counted as one wrap. In vaping, wrap count directly affects the final electrical resistance of the coil, which in turn determines how much wattage can be applied and how the coil interacts with the wick and e-liquid. Beginners often think more wraps equal “bigger clouds,” but the true purpose of counting wraps is to land on a target resistance that suits the device and style of vaping.

Technical Details

How It Works

Each wrap adds a fixed length of wire to the circuit. Using Ohm’s Law and the wire’s resistivity, more wraps equal higher resistance and fewer wraps equal lower resistance. A dual-core fused Clapton made from 26 AWG Nichrome 80, for example, yields roughly 0.12 Ω with 5 wraps on a 3 mm rod, but 0.18 Ω with 7 wraps. Common wrap counts range from 4 to 10 for single-coil builds and 5 to 12 for dual-coil builds, depending on the wire gauge, Diameter“>inner diameter, and alloy (Kanthal A1, Nichrome 80, or Stainless Steel 316L).

Key Specifications

• Inner diameter: 2.5 mm, 3 mm, and 3.5 mm are the most popular.
• Spacing: Micro coils are wrap-to-wrap; spaced coils have a tiny gap for improved wicking.
• Half-wrap rule: A “half wrap” is counted when both coil legs exit on the same side, often used in postless decks.

Usage & Tips

Always count wraps before installation, not after—once mounted, half the coil is hidden in the posts. If the resistance is too low, add a wrap; too high, remove one. Ensure the wraps are tight and evenly compressed to prevent hot spots that can singe the wicking material. After pulsing, pinch and strum gently with ceramic tweezers. Remember: lower wrap counts draw more current—verify your batteries can handle the continuous discharge rating. In Australia, regulated mods with onboard protections are recommended for new builders.

History & Context

Wrap counting became critical in the early 2010s when mechanical mods dominated the scene and users had no screen to read live resistance. As regulated devices with built-in ohm readers arrived, builders shifted focus to surface area and flavour. Still, wrap count remains the first variable most coil calculators ask for, proving its enduring relevance from cloud-chasing Sydney sub-ohmers to discreet mouth-to-lung vapers in Melbourne.