VG/PG Ratio Explained: What It Means for Your Vape
Every bottle of e-liquid has a VG/PG ratio printed on it, 50/50, 70/30, and so on, and it matters more than most beginners realise. Get it wrong for your device and you’ll get poor flavour, weak vapour, or leaks. Here’s what VG and PG actually are, and how to pick the right ratio.
What are VG and PG?
VG and PG are the two base liquids that carry the flavour and nicotine in every e-liquid:
- VG (Vegetable Glycerine), thick and slightly sweet. It produces the vapour and clouds, and gives a smoother inhale.
- PG (Propylene Glycol), thin and flavourless. It carries flavour and throat hit, and wicks quickly.
In short: VG makes clouds, PG carries flavour and throat hit. The ratio balances the two.
What does the ratio mean?
The ratio is simply the proportion of each. A 50/50 liquid is half VG, half PG. A 70/30 is 70% VG, 30% PG, thicker, cloudier, smoother. The higher the VG, the more vapour and the smoother the hit; the higher the PG, the sharper the flavour and throat hit.
50/50, best for pod kits
A 50/50 ratio is the sweet spot for pod kits and MTL vaping. It’s thin enough to wick properly in a small coil, gives a satisfying throat hit, and carries flavour well. Almost all nic salts are 50/50, which is exactly why they suit pod kits so well. If you’re a beginner or ex-smoker, 50/50 is what you want.
70/30 and high-VG, best for sub-ohm
70/30 and higher-VG shortfills are made for powerful sub-ohm devices and direct-to-lung vaping. The extra VG produces big clouds and a very smooth inhale, but it’s too thick for a small pod coil, use it in a pod kit and you’ll get muted flavour and a dry, burnt taste. Match high-VG liquid to a high-power device only.
Which VG/PG ratio should you choose?
It’s simple once you know your device:
- Pod kit / MTL: 50/50 (or a nic salt, which is 50/50)
- Sub-ohm mod / DTL: 70/30 or higher-VG shortfill
Using the wrong ratio for your device is one of the most common beginner mistakes. Match the liquid to the kit and you’re set. Browse our 50/50 nic salts and high-VG shortfills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VG/PG ratio mean?
It’s the proportion of Vegetable Glycerine (VG) to Propylene Glycol (PG) in e-liquid. VG produces vapour and a smooth inhale; PG carries flavour and throat hit. A 50/50 is half and half; 70/30 is higher VG for bigger clouds.
What is the best VG/PG ratio for a pod kit?
50/50. It wicks properly in a small pod coil, gives a good throat hit and carries flavour well. Nic salts are 50/50, which is why they suit pod kits perfectly.
Can I use 70/30 e-liquid in a pod kit?
It’s not recommended. High-VG liquid is too thick for a small pod coil and will cause muted flavour and a dry, burnt taste. Use 50/50 in pod kits and save high-VG for sub-ohm devices.
Is higher VG better?
Not universally, it depends on your device. Higher VG makes bigger, smoother clouds in a sub-ohm mod, but performs badly in a low-power pod kit. Match the ratio to the device.
Does VG or PG give more throat hit?
PG carries more throat hit and flavour. Higher-PG (like 50/50) feels sharper; higher-VG feels smoother with less throat hit.
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