If your physician recommends 3000 mg fish oil for lowering triglycerides, it takes 4 softgels to equal 3000 mg.  Other brands, which are less potent, require 5 - 10 softgels per to get 3000 mg.  To determine the number of softgels to get 3,000 mg, add the EPA and DHA together and divide that number into 3,000 mg.