News

If you've ever purchased an e-liquid, you've likely come across terms such as 50/50 VG/PG, 70/30 VG/PG, or even Max VG. For new vapers, these numbers can seem confusing, but they play a crucial role in determining your overall vaping experience.

The VG/PG ratio affects almost every aspect of vaping, including flavour intensity, vapour production, throat hit, nicotine delivery, and even how well your e-liquid works with your vape device. Understanding these ratios can help you choose the right e-liquid, improve device performance, and enjoy a more satisfying vape.

In this guide, we'll explain what VG and PG are, how they work together, and why choosing the right ratio matters.

Understanding the Basics of VG and PG

Before discussing ratios, it's important to understand the two primary ingredients found in most e-liquids.

What Is VG (Vegetable Glycerine)?

Vegetable Glycerine, commonly known as VG, is a clear, thick liquid derived from vegetable oils. It is naturally sweet and is responsible for producing the visible vapour clouds that many vapers enjoy.

VG is known for:

• Thick and dense vapour production

• Smooth inhalation

• Mild sweetness

• Reduced throat irritation

• Enhanced cloud creation

Because of its thicker consistency, high-VG e-liquids are generally used with more powerful vape devices that have larger coils and better wicking systems.

What Is PG (Propylene Glycol)?

Propylene Glycol, or PG, is a thinner liquid that is widely used in food products, medicines, and cosmetics. In vaping, PG acts as an excellent flavour carrier and provides the throat sensation many former smokers prefer.

PG is known for:

• Strong flavour delivery

• Sharper throat hit

• Faster absorption into coils

• Better compatibility with lower-powered devices

• Efficient nicotine delivery

Many Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vapers prefer higher PG e-liquids because they closely replicate the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette.

What Does VG/PG Ratio Mean?

The VG/PG ratio simply refers to the percentage of Vegetable Glycerine and Propylene Glycol contained in an e-liquid.

For example:

• 50/50 VG/PG contains equal amounts of VG and PG.

• 70/30 VG/PG contains 70% VG and 30% PG.

• 80/20 VG/PG contains 80% VG and 20% PG.

• Max VG contains the highest possible VG content with very little PG.

The ratio directly influences how the e-liquid performs when vaped.

Why Does the VG/PG Ratio Matter?

Many vapers focus solely on flavour or nicotine strength when choosing an e-liquid, but the VG/PG ratio is equally important.

The ratio determines:

• How much vapour is produced

• How strong the flavour tastes

• How intense the throat hit feels

• Which vape devices are compatible

• How efficiently the coil absorbs e-liquid

Using an unsuitable VG/PG ratio can negatively impact performance and reduce overall satisfaction.

How VG/PG Ratio Affects Vapour Production

One of the biggest differences between VG and PG is vapour output.

Higher VG e-liquids create:

• Larger clouds

• Denser vapour

• Smoother inhales

• A more cloud-focused vaping experience

This is why cloud-chasing enthusiasts typically choose 70/30 or higher VG ratios.

Lower VG and higher PG ratios produce:

• Smaller clouds

• Less visible vapour

• More discreet vaping

If producing large clouds is important to you, higher VG ratios are generally the better choice.

How VG/PG Ratio Affects Flavour

PG is widely recognised as the superior flavour carrier.

E-liquids with higher PG content often provide:

• Stronger flavour intensity

• Sharper flavour notes

• Better flavour clarity

High VG liquids still offer excellent flavour but tend to prioritise vapour production over flavour intensity.

For vapers who value flavour above everything else, balanced or higher PG blends are often preferred.

How VG/PG Ratio Affects Throat Hit

Throat hit refers to the sensation felt in the throat when inhaling vapour.

Higher PG e-liquids provide:

• A stronger throat hit

• A sensation similar to smoking cigarettes

• More noticeable nicotine impact

Higher VG e-liquids provide:

• A smoother inhale

• Less throat irritation

• A softer vaping experience

Former smokers often prefer a stronger throat hit initially, while experienced vapers frequently move towards smoother high-VG options.

Common VG/PG Ratios Explained

50/50 VG/PG

This is one of the most popular ratios available today.

Benefits include:

• Balanced flavour and vapour

• Moderate throat hit

• Excellent compatibility with pod systems

• Ideal for nicotine salts

A 50/50 blend is often recommended for beginners because it offers the best balance between performance and ease of use.

60/40 VG/PG

A slight increase in VG content provides:

• More vapour production

• Smooth flavour delivery

• Good compatibility with many vape devices

This ratio appeals to users looking for a balance between cloud production and flavour.

70/30 VG/PG

One of the most common ratios for sub-ohm vaping.

Benefits include:

• Thick vapour clouds

• Smooth inhale

• Excellent cloud production

• Strong flavour performance

This ratio is ideal for Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping and advanced vape kits.

80/20 VG/PG and Max VG

Designed primarily for cloud enthusiasts.

Advantages include:

• Massive vapour production

• Extremely smooth vaping

• Dense cloud creation

• Best suited for advanced devices

These thicker liquids require coils specifically designed for high-VG e-liquids.

Choosing the Right VG/PG Ratio for Your Device

Not all vape devices are designed to handle every e-liquid ratio.

Pod Systems

Best suited for:

• 50/50 VG/PG

• Nicotine salt e-liquids

• Higher PG blends

Starter Kits

Ideal for:

• 50/50

• 60/40 blends

Sub-Ohm Vape Kits

Recommended for:

• 70/30 VG/PG

• High VG e-liquids

Advanced Vape Mods

Best suited for:

• 70/30

• 80/20

• Max VG e-liquids

Using the correct ratio helps prevent leaking, dry hits, poor flavour, and premature coil burnout.

Which VG/PG Ratio Is Best for Beginners?

For most new vapers, a 50/50 VG/PG e-liquid is the safest and most versatile option.

It provides:

• Good flavour

• Comfortable throat hit

• Satisfying vapour production

• Broad device compatibility

As your preferences evolve, you can experiment with different ratios to find the balance that suits your vaping style.

Common Mistakes When Choosing VG/PG Ratios

Many vapers unknowingly choose the wrong ratio for their device.

Some common mistakes include:

• Using high-VG liquid in small pod systems

• Choosing high-PG liquids for sub-ohm tanks

• Focusing only on nicotine strength

• Ignoring device recommendations

• Selecting cloud-focused liquids when flavour is the priority

Understanding your device's requirements helps avoid these issues.

Final Thoughts

The VG/PG ratio is one of the most important factors influencing your vaping experience. While VG determines cloud production and smoothness, PG enhances flavour and throat hit. The ideal balance depends on your device, vaping style, and personal preferences. For beginners and pod system users, a 50/50 VG/PG ratio is usually the best starting point. For cloud enthusiasts and sub-ohm vapers, 70/30 VG/PG remains the most popular choice due to its balance of flavour and vapour production.

By understanding how VG and PG work together, you can make informed decisions, improve device performance, and enjoy a more satisfying vape every time.

FAQs.

1. What does VG/PG ratio mean in vape juice?

VG/PG ratio refers to the proportion of Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG) in an e-liquid. The ratio affects vapour production, flavour intensity, throat hit, and device compatibility.

2. Is 50/50 VG/PG good for beginners?

Yes, a 50/50 VG/PG ratio is often recommended for beginners because it provides a balanced combination of flavour, throat hit, and vapour production while working well with most pod systems and starter kits.

3. Which VG/PG ratio produces the most vapour?

Higher VG ratios such as 70/30 VG/PG, 80/20 VG/PG, or Max VG produce the largest and densest vapour clouds, making them popular among sub-ohm vapers and cloud enthusiasts.

4. Does a higher PG ratio give better flavour?

Generally, yes. PG is a more effective flavour carrier than VG, so e-liquids with higher PG content often deliver stronger and more pronounced flavours.

5. What VG/PG ratio is best for pod systems?

Most pod systems perform best with 50/50 VG/PG e-liquids or nicotine salts because the thinner liquid is easier for smaller coils to absorb.

6. Can I use high-VG e-liquid in a pod vape?

Using high-VG e-liquid in a pod system is not usually recommended. The thicker consistency can lead to poor wicking, dry hits, and reduced coil lifespan.

7. What VG/PG ratio is best for sub-ohm vaping?

Sub-ohm vape kits are typically designed for 70/30 VG/PG or higher VG blends, providing excellent vapour production and smooth inhalation.

8. Does VG/PG ratio affect throat hit?

Yes. Higher PG e-liquids create a stronger throat hit, while higher VG e-liquids provide a smoother vaping experience with less throat irritation.

9. What is Max VG e-liquid?

Max VG e-liquid contains the highest possible percentage of Vegetable Glycerine with very little PG. It is designed primarily for producing large vapour clouds and is best used with advanced vape devices.

10. How do I choose the right VG/PG ratio?

The best VG/PG ratio depends on your vape device, vaping style, and personal preferences. Pod users generally prefer 50/50 blends, while sub-ohm users often choose 70/30 or higher VG ratios for bigger clouds and smoother inhales.