PG vs VG E-Liquid Explained: Which Ratio Is Right for You?

If you have ever browsed an e-liquid listing and spotted numbers like 50/50, 70/30, or "Max VG" and had absolutely no idea what they mean, you are not alone. PG and VG are the two base liquids that make up virtually every e-liquid on the market, and getting the ratio right makes a genuine difference to how your vape feels, tastes, and performs.

In this guide we will break down exactly what PG and VG are, how each one affects your vaping experience, and — most importantly — which ratio is best for your device and personal style. Whether you are brand new to vaping or just switching to a different kit, this is the guide to keep handy.

What Is PG (Propylene Glycol)?

Propylene glycol — almost always shortened to PG — is a synthetic, colourless, odourless liquid that has been used safely in food, cosmetics, and medicines for decades. You will find it in everything from asthma inhalers to cake icing, which is why it has a well-established safety profile for inhalation use.

In e-liquid, PG serves two key roles. First, it acts as a carrier for flavour concentrates, dissolving and suspending flavour compounds far more effectively than VG can. Second, it produces what vapers call throat hit — that slightly sharp sensation at the back of the throat that closely mimics the feeling of smoking a cigarette. For people switching from smoking, this sensation is often what makes the difference between finding vaping satisfying or not.

PG is a relatively thin liquid, which means it wicks quickly into coils and works well in smaller, lower-powered devices. It does not produce large clouds, and the vapour it creates is thinner and far less visible than high-VG vapour.

Key properties of PG at a glance

• Thin, runny consistency — wicks easily in most devices
• Excellent flavour carrier — delivers crisp, well-defined flavour
• Produces noticeable throat hit
• Low vapour production — small, discreet clouds
• Virtually no taste of its own
• Absorbs moisture, which can cause mild dry mouth in some vapers

What Is VG (Vegetable Glycerin)?

Vegetable glycerin — known as VG — is a natural compound derived from plant-based oils, most commonly palm or coconut oil. Like PG, it has a long history of safe use in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It is what gives certain foods a slightly sweet, syrupy quality.

In e-liquid, VG is primarily responsible for vapour production. The higher the VG content, the thicker, denser, and more visible the clouds will be. VG also produces a noticeably smoother inhale — it is much gentler on the throat than PG, which is why high-VG liquids are popular with vapers who find strong throat hit uncomfortable.

The downside of VG is its thickness. It is a viscous liquid that does not wick as quickly as PG, which means it needs a device with larger coil ports and higher power to perform properly. Put a very high-VG liquid in a basic pod kit and you may find the coil struggles to keep up, leading to dry hits and a burnt taste.

Key properties of VG at a glance

• Thick, viscous consistency — needs an appropriate device and coil
• Produces large, dense vapour clouds
• Very smooth, gentle inhale with minimal throat hit
• Slightly sweet taste of its own
• Carries flavour less effectively than PG alone
• Slower to wick — can cause coil gunking in lower-powered devices

How PG and VG Affect Your Vaping Experience

Understanding PG and VG in isolation is one thing, but what really matters is how the balance between them shapes your everyday vape. There is no universally "best" ratio — it all depends on your priorities and your kit.

Throat hit

PG drives throat hit. If you want that satisfying back-of-throat sensation that reminds you of a cigarette, you want a higher-PG liquid. Liquids with 50% or more PG will give a noticeable hit. High-VG liquids (70% VG and above) feel smooth and cloud-like in comparison — pleasant for some, but unsatisfying for recent ex-smokers who need that tactile feedback.

Vapour production

VG drives clouds. Cloud chasers and sub-ohm vapers gravitate towards 70/30 (VG/PG) ratios and higher. If you vape discreetly — at work, in a car, or around family — a higher-PG or 50/50 liquid keeps things subtle. Large clouds can draw unwanted attention and are not always appropriate in public spaces.

Flavour intensity

This is where it gets nuanced. PG carries flavours more cleanly and precisely, so a 50/50 or 60PG/40VG liquid will often taste sharper and more true-to-label — think crisp fruit flavours or accurate menthol. High-VG liquids can slightly mute flavours, though modern shortfill recipes compensate with heavier flavour concentrate loads. If flavour accuracy is your top priority, lean towards higher PG or a well-formulated 70/30 shortfill.

Nicotine delivery

Higher-PG liquids tend to deliver nicotine more efficiently per puff, which is one reason nic salt e-liquids — which are formulated for maximum satisfaction and rapid absorption — almost always come in 50/50 ratios. The thin consistency allows the liquid to wick into the tight coils of pod kits where nic salts are typically used.

Common PG/VG Ratios Explained

50/50 (equal PG and VG)

The most popular ratio in the UK for good reason — it genuinely suits almost every beginner and the majority of pod kit users. You get a decent throat hit, good flavour, and modest vapour production. All nic salt e-liquids and most 10ml freebase liquids come in 50/50. If you are not sure where to start, this is it. Browse our full range of e-liquids including 50/50 options to find a flavour you love.

60/40 (60% VG, 40% PG)

A step up in cloud production while still maintaining good flavour and a noticeable throat hit. Works well in pod kits with slightly larger coil ports, as well as basic pen-style vapes. A solid middle ground if you find pure 50/50 a little harsh but are not ready to go fully sub-ohm.

70/30 (70% VG, 30% PG)

The sweet spot for sub-ohm and direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping. You get impressive cloud production, a smooth inhale, and still reasonable flavour delivery. Most shortfill e-liquids sold in the UK come in a 70/30 ratio. These liquids need a sub-ohm tank or a capable mesh pod device running at higher wattage to wick correctly.

80/20 (80% VG, 20% PG)

Getting into serious cloud territory. Favoured by vapers who prioritise vapour production above all else. The throat hit is minimal, the inhale very smooth, and you need a capable sub-ohm device — ideally running at 40W or above — to get the best from it. Flavour can be slightly muted compared to lower-VG options.

Max VG (85–100% VG)

The ultimate cloud-chasing liquid. These are often used in rebuildable atomisers (RDAs) by experienced vapers who build their own coils. The thick viscosity means they absolutely require a device that can handle it — not recommended for pod kits or MTL devices. Throat hit is almost non-existent, and nicotine is typically very low (0–3mg) because the sheer volume of vapour produced per puff means you inhale far more liquid per session.

PG vs VG Comparison Table

Best Ratio by Device Type

Pod kits and starter kits

If you are using a compact pod kit — the kind of device most beginners start with — stick to 50/50 e-liquids. The small, tight coils in these devices are designed for thin liquids. High-VG liquids simply will not wick fast enough, which leads to dry hits (that unpleasant burnt taste) and shortened coil life. Our nic salt e-liquids are all formulated in 50/50 and are the ideal match for pod kits.

Mouth-to-lung (MTL) tanks

MTL tanks mimic the draw style of a cigarette — you pull vapour into your mouth before inhaling to your lungs. These tanks generally work best with 50/50 to 60/40 VG/PG liquids. MTL vaping is all about flavour and throat hit rather than clouds, so the higher PG content here is an advantage, not a drawback.

Sub-ohm tanks (direct-to-lung)

Sub-ohm devices draw vapour directly into the lungs in one smooth pull. They run at higher wattages, produce significant vapour, and need thicker liquids to match their power output. Go for 70/30 or 80/20 (VG/PG). Most shortfill e-liquids are specifically formulated in these ratios for sub-ohm use. Avoid nic salts in sub-ohm devices — the combination of high nicotine and large vapour volume can deliver far too much nicotine per puff.

Rebuildable atomisers (RDAs/RTAs)

If you build your own coils, you likely already know what you are doing — but for the record, Max VG or 80/20 is the standard. The hand-packed cotton wicking in rebuildables handles the thick viscosity that would ruin a commercial coil, and the cloud production and flavour at this level are exceptional for those who have put the time into the hobby.

PG/VG and Coil Life

The ratio you choose has a direct effect on how long your coils last, and this is something many vapers overlook when troubleshooting a burnt taste or wondering why they are burning through coils quickly.

High-VG liquids — especially sweetened ones — are thicker and stickier. As the liquid heats up repeatedly, residue builds up on the coil wire and wicking material. This is called "coil gunking" and it progressively reduces flavour quality until the coil needs replacing. Sweet flavours with Max VG ratios are the hardest on coils. Running at the correct wattage range for your specific coil helps, as does avoiding continuous chain-vaping in rapid short bursts.

High-PG liquids are thinner and wetter, which generally means cleaner coils and longer coil life — particularly in lower-wattage devices. PG does not actively clean a coil; it simply leaves less residue than VG under typical use conditions.

PG Sensitivity and Allergies

A small number of people find that they are sensitive to propylene glycol. Symptoms can include a scratchy or sore throat that goes beyond normal throat hit, dry or irritated skin around the mouth, or mild allergic reactions. True PG allergy is rare, but sensitivity — where the body simply does not respond well to continued PG exposure — is more common than many people expect.

If you suspect you are PG-sensitive, try switching to a higher-VG liquid, such as a 70/30 shortfill, and see if the symptoms ease. Many vapers who initially thought they were reacting badly to vaping in general have found the real culprit was a high-PG ratio that did not suit them.

If you have a confirmed PG allergy, Max VG e-liquids (which contain little to no PG) are the safest option. Just ensure your device is fully capable of handling the thick consistency — a capable sub-ohm kit is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

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