If you have ever looked at the back of an e-liquid bottle and wondered what the PG/VG ratio means, you are not alone. These two abbreviations represent the base ingredients that make up the bulk of every e-liquid, and the ratio between them has a significant impact on your vaping experience. Understanding PG and VG will help you choose e-liquids that match your device, your preferred throat hit, and your flavor and vapor expectations.
What Are PG and VG?
Propylene Glycol (PG)
Propylene glycol is a thin, colorless, odorless liquid that has been used for decades in food products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It is classified as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the FDA. In e-liquids, PG serves as a carrier for nicotine and flavorings. Its thin consistency means it wicks easily into coils and atomizers, and it produces a noticeable throat hit that many former smokers find satisfying.
PG does not produce large amounts of visible vapor. Instead, it creates a more subtle, less dense cloud. It carries flavor more effectively than VG, which is why higher-PG e-liquids often taste more pronounced and detailed.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Vegetable glycerin is a thicker, slightly sweet liquid derived from vegetable oils. Like PG, it is widely used in food and personal care products and is considered safe for consumption. In e-liquids, VG is primarily responsible for vapor production. Higher VG ratios produce thicker, denser clouds of vapor.
VG has a naturally sweet taste that can subtly affect the flavor of your e-liquid. It also provides a smoother, softer throat hit compared to PG. However, its thicker consistency means it wicks more slowly, which can be an issue in devices with smaller wick ports.
Common PG/VG Ratios and Their Characteristics
E-liquids come in a wide variety of PG/VG ratios, but several standard ratios dominate the market. Here is what to expect from each.
50/50 (Equal Parts PG and VG)
A 50/50 ratio provides a balanced experience. You get moderate throat hit, decent flavor clarity, and reasonable vapor production. This ratio works well in most devices, from basic pod systems to mid-range tanks. It is a safe starting point if you are unsure which ratio suits you best.
- Throat hit: Moderate
- Vapor production: Moderate
- Flavor clarity: Good
- Best for: Pod systems, MTL tanks, all-around use
70VG/30PG
This is the most popular ratio for sub-ohm vaping. The higher VG content produces thick, satisfying clouds while the 30% PG maintains good flavor and a mild throat hit. Most premium e-liquid brands offer their standard lines in this ratio or close to it.
- Throat hit: Mild
- Vapor production: High
- Flavor clarity: Good
- Best for: Sub-ohm tanks, drippers, box mods
80VG/20PG and MAX VG
High VG and max VG e-liquids are designed for maximum cloud production. They produce the thickest, densest vapor possible and have a very smooth, almost imperceptible throat hit. Flavor can be slightly muted compared to higher-PG ratios because VG is a less effective flavor carrier, but many modern flavorings are formulated to compensate for this.
- Throat hit: Very mild to none
- Vapor production: Very high
- Flavor clarity: Moderate
- Best for: Cloud chasing, drippers, high-wattage sub-ohm setups
60PG/40VG and Higher PG Ratios
Higher PG ratios are less common in the sub-ohm world but remain popular for mouth-to-lung devices and pod systems. They deliver a stronger throat hit, sharper flavor, and less vapor. These ratios wick faster and work better in smaller devices with tighter coil ports.
- Throat hit: Strong
- Vapor production: Low to moderate
- Flavor clarity: Excellent
- Best for: MTL tanks, pod systems, higher nicotine e-liquids
Matching Your PG/VG Ratio to Your Device
The ratio you choose should complement the device you are using. A mismatch between e-liquid viscosity and device design leads to poor performance.
Pod Systems and MTL Devices
Pod systems and mouth-to-lung tanks have smaller coils and tighter wick channels. They work best with thinner e-liquids in the 50/50 to 60PG/40VG range. Using a high-VG e-liquid in a pod system can cause dry hits because the thick liquid cannot wick fast enough to keep the coil saturated.
Most nicotine salt e-liquids come in a 50/50 ratio specifically because they are designed for pod systems like the Vaporesso XROS 4 and Smok Novo Master. If you use a pod system, stick with 50/50 unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
Sub-Ohm Tanks
Sub-ohm tanks have larger coils with wider wick ports that can handle thicker liquids. A 70VG/30PG ratio is the sweet spot for most sub-ohm setups. Tanks like the Uwell Crown 5 Sub-Ohm Tank and Vaporesso iTank T handle this ratio beautifully. Some tanks with particularly large wick ports can handle 80VG or even max VG without issues, but 70/30 is the most reliable choice.
Using a high-PG e-liquid in a sub-ohm tank like the FreeMax M Pro 3 or GeekVape Z Sub Ohm SE can cause flooding and leaking because the thin liquid flows through the larger wick channels faster than it vaporizes. You may also experience a harsher-than-expected throat hit due to the higher wattage of sub-ohm vaping.
Rebuildable Atomizers (RDAs and RTAs)
Rebuildable atomizers offer the most flexibility because you control the amount and type of wicking material. Cloud chasers using drippers (RDAs) often use max VG for the thickest possible clouds. Since you apply the liquid directly to the wick (or have an adjustable build deck), wicking issues are less of a concern. RTAs are slightly more restrictive but still handle high-VG liquids well if wicked correctly.
Explore our E-Juice collection to find e-liquids in the perfect PG/VG ratio for your device.
How PG/VG Affects Throat Hit
Throat hit is the sensation you feel at the back of your throat when inhaling vapor. For many vapers, especially those transitioning from smoking, a satisfying throat hit is essential. PG is the primary driver of throat hit in e-liquids (nicotine also contributes, but PG amplifies the sensation).
If you find your current e-liquid too harsh, switching to a higher VG ratio will soften the throat hit. Conversely, if your vape feels too smooth and you miss the sensation of smoking, a higher PG ratio will provide more kick. This adjustment can be made independently of nicotine strength, giving you two variables to fine-tune your experience.
PG/VG and Flavor
PG is a more effective carrier for flavor concentrates than VG. This means that at equal flavor concentrate percentages, a higher-PG e-liquid will generally taste more vivid and defined. The individual notes in a complex flavor profile are easier to distinguish.
That said, many high-VG e-liquids deliver outstanding flavor. E-liquid manufacturers compensate for the reduced flavor-carrying ability of VG by adjusting their recipes. A well-formulated 70VG e-liquid from a reputable brand will taste just as good as a 50/50 blend, though the flavor character may differ slightly in its warmth and density.
Allergies and Sensitivities
A small percentage of people are sensitive to propylene glycol. Symptoms can include a sore or irritated throat, mild skin reactions, or an unusually harsh throat hit that does not improve with lower nicotine levels. If you suspect a PG sensitivity, try switching to a higher VG ratio (80/20 or max VG). Most people who are sensitive to PG can vape comfortably with max VG e-liquids.
True PG allergies are rare, but they do exist. If you experience persistent symptoms even at low PG concentrations, consult a healthcare provider.
DIY Mixing and Custom Ratios
Vapers who mix their own e-liquid have complete control over the PG/VG ratio. This allows for experimentation beyond the standard ratios offered by commercial brands. You can create a 65/35, a 75/25, or any other combination that suits your specific preferences and device. PG and VG are sold separately as base liquids and can be combined in any proportion.
If you are interested in DIY mixing, start with a proven recipe and adjust the ratio in small increments until you find your ideal balance of throat hit, flavor, and vapor.
Quick Reference Guide
- Want maximum clouds? Go 80VG/20PG or max VG with a sub-ohm tank or dripper.
- Want the strongest flavor? Try 50/50 or 60PG/40VG in an MTL device.
- Want to mimic smoking? Use 50/50 with nicotine salts in a pod system.
- Sensitive to PG? Switch to 80VG/20PG or max VG.
- Not sure? Start with 70VG/30PG in a sub-ohm tank. It is the most versatile all-around option.
Final Thoughts
The PG/VG ratio is one of the most underappreciated factors in a satisfying vape experience. It affects throat hit, flavor clarity, vapor density, and even compatibility with your device. Taking the time to understand these two ingredients and how they interact with your hardware will help you make better purchasing decisions and enjoy your vaping more fully.
Browse our E-Juice selection to explore options across every PG/VG ratio, and pair them with the right hardware from our Devices collection for an optimized setup from top to bottom.
