If you’ve ever browsed dabbing accessories, you’ve probably noticed that terp pills (also known as terp pillars) are available in many different sizes, such as 3×10mm, 5×20mm, 3×30mm, and 5×30mm.
For many users, especially beginners, this raises a common question:

Why do terp pills come in so many different sizes, and how do you know which one is right for your setup?

The answer lies in how terp pills interact with quartz bangers, airflow, and heat retention. Unlike terp pearls, terp pills are not designed to universally fit every device. Their size directly affects performance, which is why multiple dimensions exist.

This guide explains why terp pills come in different sizes, what those sizes actually do, and how to understand them correctly—without common misconceptions.

What Is a Terp Pill (Terp Pillar)?

A terp pill, sometimes called a terp pillar, is an elongated insert typically placed inside a torch-heated quartz banger.

Its primary purposes are to:

Increase heat retention
Improve heat distribution
Add additional hot surface contact
Help maintain a more stable temperature during a dab

Unlike terp pearls, which are spherical and designed to spin easily, terp pills rely more on thermal mass and surface area rather than rapid rotation.

Why Do Terp Pills Come in Different Sizes?

Terp pills come in different sizes because no two quartz bangers are exactly the same, and users have different dabbing styles. Size determines how much heat a pill can hold, how it fits inside the bucket, and how it interacts with airflow.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” terp pill. Instead, sizes are offered to match different banger dimensions, heat preferences, and usage habits.

Quartz Bangers Come in Many Shapes and Depths

Quartz bangers vary widely in:

Inner diameter
Bucket depth
Wall thickness
Airflow direction

A terp pill that works perfectly in one banger may be too long or too thick for another.

Smaller or shallow buckets often require shorter or slimmer pills, such as 3×10mm
Standard-depth buckets usually pair well with mid-sized options like 3×20mm or 3×30mm
Large or XL buckets can accommodate longer or thicker pills, such as 5×30mm, without restricting airflow

Correct sizing ensures the pill fits comfortably without blocking airflow or sitting awkwardly against the wall.

Heat Retention Scales with Size

One of the main reasons terp pill sizes exist is heat retention.

In general:

Smaller terp pills heat up quickly but cool down faster
Larger terp pills store more heat and release it more slowly

For example:

A 3×10mm terp pill offers quick response and is well suited for lighter, lower-temperature sessions
A 3×30mm terp pill provides a balanced increase in heat stability and is one of the most versatile sizes
A 5×30mm terp pill has significantly higher thermal mass, helping maintain temperature during longer draws or larger loads

Size allows users to fine-tune how much thermal stability they want from their setup.

Surface Contact and Vaporization Behavior

Beyond heat storage, size also affects how much hot surface area interacts with the concentrate.

Longer terp pills provide:

More surface contact
More even heat distribution
Improved vaporization consistency

However, oversized pills in small buckets can reduce airflow and negatively affect performance. This is why having multiple size options is essential.

Important Clarification: Terp Pills vs eRigs / 3D Chambers

It’s important to clear up a common misunderstanding.

Terp pills are primarily designed for torch-heated quartz bangers—not for most eRig or 3D chamber systems.

In many eRig and 3D chamber designs:

Airflow direction is restricted and does not effectively move or rotate a long pillar
Chamber geometry favors terp pearls rather than terp pills
The device already uses electronic temperature control, reducing the need for added heat-retention inserts

Because of this, terp pills are rarely used in eRigs.

Why Most eRigs Use Terp Pearls Instead of Terp Pills

Terp pearls are spherical and require less space and airflow to spin. This makes them far more compatible with the compact and directional airflow found in many eRig and 3D chamber designs.

Terp pills, on the other hand, are optimized for:

Open quartz buckets
Torch heating
Natural heat loss that benefits from added thermal mass

This difference explains why terp pills remain a quartz banger-focused accessory.

Why Sizes Like 3×10mm, 3×30mm, and 5×30mm Exist

Each common terp pill size serves a specific purpose:

3×10mm – Compact option for small buckets, lighter loads, and lower-temperature sessions
3×30mm – Versatile middle-ground balancing heat retention, airflow, and compatibility
5×30mm – High thermal mass option for large buckets and users seeking maximum heat stability

These size options exist to help users match the pill to their banger size, heat preference, and dab style.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Terp Pill Size

Terp pills come in different sizes because heat behavior, bucket geometry, and airflow all matter. Bigger isn’t automatically better, and smaller isn’t always more flavorful—the key is choosing a size that fits your quartz banger correctly and complements your dabbing style.

Understanding terp pill sizes allows you to make informed choices and get more consistent performance from your setup.