What Does 70VG 30PG Mean? E-Liquid Ratios Explained
If you have ever looked at a bottle of e-liquid and seen "70VG/30PG" on the label and wondered what it means, you are not alone. These two letters - VG and PG - refer to the two base liquids that every e-liquid is made from, and the ratio between them affects everything from flavour intensity to vapour production to how the e-liquid works in your device.
This guide explains what the 70VG 30PG meaning is, how different ratios affect your vaping experience, and which ratio is right for your device and style. This article is part of our complete beginner's guide to vaping UK.
What Is PG (Propylene Glycol)?
Propylene glycol (PG) is a thin, clear liquid that is used in a wide range of food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products. In e-liquids, it serves as one of the two base carriers for nicotine and flavourings.
Key characteristics of PG in vaping:
- Excellent flavour carrier - PG carries flavour compounds more effectively than VG, meaning higher-PG e-liquids generally taste more intense
- Produces less vapour - PG creates a thinner, less visible vapour cloud
- Stronger throat hit - The throat hit from PG is more pronounced, similar to the sensation of cigarette smoke
- Thinner consistency - Works well in low-powered pod kits and smaller coils
- Some people are PG sensitive - A small minority of vapers experience throat irritation or coughing with high-PG e-liquids. If this happens, try a higher-VG blend
All nicotine-containing e-liquids sold in the UK are capped at 10ml bottle size and 20mg/ml nicotine strength under TRPR regulations. High-VG shortfills (e.g. 100ml 0mg bottles with nic shot) are legal because they contain no nicotine before the nic shot is added.
What Is VG (Vegetable Glycerin)?
Vegetable glycerin (VG) is a thick, sweet-tasting liquid derived from plant oils. It is also widely used in food and cosmetics. In e-liquids, it is the other base liquid blended with PG.
Key characteristics of VG in vaping:
- Produces large, dense vapour clouds - High-VG e-liquids are what cloud-chasers and sub-ohm vapers use
- Smoother throat hit - VG is gentler on the throat, with minimal harshness even at higher levels
- Slightly sweet taste - VG has a faint natural sweetness that can affect how flavours taste
- Thicker consistency - VG is viscous and can struggle to wick through the coil of small pod kits, potentially causing dry hits or coil gunk
- Less throat hit - For ex-smokers who miss the throat sensation of cigarettes, pure VG can feel unsatisfying
What Different Ratios Mean
| Ratio | Vapour Production | Throat Hit | Flavour Intensity | Best Device Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50/50 (50PG/50VG) | Medium | Medium-strong | High | Pod kits, MTL devices |
| 60VG/40PG | Medium-high | Medium | Medium-high | Mid-power pod kits, some MTL |
| 70VG/30PG | High | Smooth, mild | Medium | Sub-ohm/DTL devices, not pod kits |
| 80VG/20PG+ | Very high (clouds) | Very smooth | Lower | Sub-ohm/DTL devices only |
| High PG nic salts | Low-medium | Smooth despite high nicotine | Very high | Pod kits specifically |
The 70VG 30PG meaning in practice: it is a blend suited to sub-ohm devices and shortfill e-liquids. The 70% VG content produces good vapour clouds and a smooth experience. The 30% PG still carries flavour well. This blend is most commonly found in 50ml and 100ml shortfill bottles.
Which Ratio Is Right for You?
For beginners and ex-smokers using a pod kit
Use a 50/50 e-liquid or a nic salt formulation. High-VG blends (70VG and above) are too thick for most pod kit coils and will cause wicking issues. Nic salt e-liquids are typically formulated with a balanced or high-PG ratio and are specifically designed for pod kits and MTL devices. Browse our nic salt e-liquid range.
For vapers using sub-ohm devices
Use a 70VG/30PG or higher VG blend with a shortfill or 50ml bottle. These produce the bigger clouds and smoother draws that sub-ohm vapers prefer, at lower nicotine strengths (typically 0-6mg freebase). Browse our full e-liquid range.
For switching between devices
If you use a pod kit at home and a sub-ohm device elsewhere, you may need two different e-liquids with different ratios. Many vapers keep both on hand.
What About Nic Salts?
Nicotine salt (nic salt) e-liquids are a special category that do not always display a conventional PG/VG ratio. They are specifically formulated for pod kits and typically use a balanced or high-PG base to keep the liquid thin enough to wick properly in small coils.
The key difference with nic salts is the form of nicotine used - salt-based nicotine is smoother to inhale at higher strengths (10-20mg) than freebase nicotine. This makes them ideal for smokers switching to vaping, who need a higher nicotine level to satisfy cravings without a harsh throat hit.
For most pod kit users, the relevant question is not VG/PG ratio but rather: is this e-liquid formulated for pod kits? Nic salts and 50/50 e-liquids are. Shortfills (70VG and above) are not.
For a full guide to the different e-liquid types, return to our complete beginner's guide to vaping.
How to Read an E-Liquid Label
When you pick up a bottle of e-liquid, the label tells you everything you need to know to check compatibility with your device. Here is what to look for:
- PG/VG ratio: Displayed as "50/50", "70VG/30PG", or "Max VG". As covered above, 50/50 or similar balanced ratios work in pod kits. High-VG shortfills (70VG+) do not.
- Nicotine strength: Shown in mg/ml (milligrams per millilitre) or as a percentage. 20mg/ml = 2%. UK maximum is 20mg/ml for nicotine-containing e-liquids.
- Bottle size: UK law restricts nicotine-containing e-liquids to a maximum bottle size of 10ml. Larger bottles (50ml, 100ml shortfills) must be 0mg or have a nicotine shot added separately.
- Nicotine type: "Nic salt" or "nicotine salt" indicates a salt-based nicotine formulation for pod kits. No label or "freebase" indicates standard nicotine.
- MHRA registration: UK-legal e-liquids display a MHRA notification number or reference. If there is no such reference, the product may not be legally compliant.
All e-liquids sold by UK Vape World are fully MHRA-registered and UK TRPR compliant. Browse our full e-liquid range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 70VG 30PG mean on an e-liquid?
70VG 30PG means the e-liquid is 70% vegetable glycerin and 30% propylene glycol. VG produces more vapour and gives a smoother feel. PG carries flavour better and gives a stronger throat hit. A 70/30 blend is suited to sub-ohm and direct-to-lung devices, not pod kits.
What PG/VG ratio is best for beginners?
Beginners using pod kits should use 50/50 PG/VG e-liquids or nic salt formulations. High-VG blends (70VG and above) are too thick for most pod kit coils.
What is the difference between PG and VG in vaping?
PG is thin, carries flavour well, gives a throat hit, produces less vapour. VG is thick, produces large clouds, smooth and slightly sweet, less throat hit. Most e-liquids blend both in varying ratios.
More From Our Beginner's Guide
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