PG vs VG Explained: Choosing the Right E-Liquid Ratio for Your Vape in 2026

Introduction

If you are new to vaping, one of the first confusing things you will notice is the numbers printed on e-liquid bottles. Suddenly, you are seeing terms like 50/50, 70/30, or 80/20 everywhere. Most beginners assume these numbers relate to nicotine strength.

But they actually refer to something far more important for your vaping experience.

These numbers represent the PG/VG ratio inside your e-liquid.

Understanding this ratio matters because it controls:

flavour intensity
throat hit
vapour production
coil lifespan
device compatibility
nicotine delivery

At Vaping News, we regularly see beginners accidentally buying the wrong e-liquid for their device. This immediately leads to problems such as leaking pods, burnt coils, weak flavour, or harsh throat hits.

The good news is that PG/VG ratios are actually very simple once you understand what each ingredient does.

This guide explains everything you need to know about PG and VG in simple language. We’ll cover how to choose the right ratio for your vape device, nicotine strength, and personal vaping style.

What Are PG and VG?

Every vape liquid contains two main base ingredients:

PG (Propylene Glycol)
VG (Vegetable Glycerin)

These two liquids are combined with flavourings and nicotine to create e-liquid. Changing the balance between PG and VG changes how the vape feels and performs.

What Is PG (Propylene Glycol)?

Propylene Glycol, usually shortened to PG, is a thin and almost tasteless liquid.

Its main role inside e-liquid is carrying flavour and delivering throat hit.

Because PG is thinner than VG, it absorbs into smaller coils very easily, making it ideal for pod systems and beginner vape kits.

What PG Does in Vaping

High-PG liquids usually provide:

stronger throat hit
sharper nicotine delivery
stronger flavour clarity
smaller vapour clouds

Many ex-smokers prefer liquids with a higher PG concentration. This is because the throat hit is more like smoking a cigarette.

PG is also widely used in:

food products
cosmetics
pharmaceutical products

However, a small percentage of users experience mild throat dryness or irritation when using very high PG levels.

What Is VG (Vegetable Glycerin)?

Vegetable Glycerin, or VG, is much thicker than PG and has a naturally slightly sweet taste.

VG handles producing large vapour clouds and smoother inhales.

High-VG liquids feel softer on the throat and create denser vapour production.

What VG Does in Vaping

High-VG liquids usually provide:

larger vapour clouds
smoother throat hits
softer flavour delivery
slower nicotine sensation

VG is especially popular among:

direct lung vapers
sub-ohm users
cloud chasers

Because VG is much thicker, it requires larger coils and stronger devices to vaporise properly.

Understanding Common PG/VG Ratios

Different PG/VG ratios completely change the vaping experience.

50/50 PG/VG: The Best Starting Point for Beginners

50/50 e-liquid remains the most beginner-friendly ratio available.

This balance provides:

good flavour
noticeable throat hit
moderate vapour
excellent compatibility with pod systems

Most nicotine salts are designed around 50/50 ratios. This is because they work perfectly inside refillable pod kits and prefilled systems.

For beginners switching from smoking, this is usually the safest and easiest starting point.

60/40 PG/VG: Slightly Stronger Throat Hit

A 60/40 ratio increases the PG slightly.

This creates:

sharper throat hit
stronger flavour intensity
slightly less vapour

This ratio is often preferred by heavier ex-smokers wanting a more cigarette-like inhale.

70/30 VG/PG: The Most Popular Sub-Ohm Ratio

70/30 VG/PG is where direct lung vaping becomes much more noticeable.

This ratio provides:

larger vapour clouds
smoother inhales
warmer vapour
moderate flavour intensity

Because the liquid becomes much thicker, it works best in:

sub-ohm tanks
more powerful vape devices

Using 70/30 liquid inside beginner pod systems usually causes wicking problems and burnt coils.

80/20 VG/PG: Built for Cloud Production

80/20 liquid is heavily focused on vapour production.

This ratio creates:

extremely dense clouds
very smooth inhales
softer flavour definition

It requires:

high-powered box mods
large coils
advanced setups

This is not designed for beginners.

100% VG: Greatest Smoothness

Pure VG liquids contain no PG at all.

These liquids provide:

greatest cloud production
almost no throat hit
extremely smooth vapour

100% VG liquids are mainly used by:

users with severe PG sensitivity
advanced cloud chasers

However, flavour sharpness becomes much softer at this level.

PG vs VG Comparison Table

Feature	High PG	High VG
Flavour Intensity	Strong and sharp	Softer and smoother
Throat Hit	Strong	Mild
Vapour Production	Low to medium	High to very high
Liquid Thickness	Thin	Thick
Best Devices	Pod kits and MTL devices	Sub-ohm and DTL devices
Nicotine Feel	Faster and stronger	Smoother and slower

Choosing the Right Ratio for Your Device

One of the biggest beginner mistakes is using the wrong liquid in the wrong device.

Pod Systems and Starter Kits

Best ratio:

50/50
60/40 PG/VG

These thinner liquids absorb correctly into smaller coils.

Using thick high-VG liquid inside pod systems often causes:

burnt hits
dry coils
poor flavour

Sub-Ohm Tanks

Best ratio:

70/30 VG/PG

Sub-ohm coils are built with larger cotton ports designed for thicker liquids.

RDAs and Advanced Devices

Best ratio:

80/20
100% VG

These setups are specifically designed for high-powered cloud production.

Choosing PG/VG Based on Vaping Style

Your inhale style also affects which ratio works best.

MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) Vaping

Best ratios:

50/50
60/40

MTL vaping focuses on:

tighter airflow
stronger throat hit
higher nicotine

This closely resembles smoking.

DTL (Direct-to-Lung) Vaping

Best ratio:

70/30 VG/PG

DTL vaping focuses on:

large clouds
smoother airflow
lower nicotine
warmer vapour

Cloud Chasing

Best ratios:

80/20
100% VG

Cloud chasing requires:

extremely thick liquids
high-wattage devices
advanced setups

Best PG/VG Ratios for Nicotine Salts

Nicotine salts work best with:

50/50
60/40 PG/VG

These thinner liquids work correctly inside low-powered pod systems. They also deliver smooth nicotine absorption.

Using strong nicotine salts inside high-VG, sub-ohm setups is dangerous. This can lead to nicotine overload very quickly.

Can PG or VG Cause Side Effects?

Some users experience mild side effects from certain ratios.

PG Sensitivity

High PG levels may occasionally cause:

throat dryness
coughing
irritation

Switching toward higher VG usually solves the problem.

VG and Dehydration

VG absorbs moisture from the mouth and throat.

Heavy high-VG vaping may sometimes cause:

dry mouth
thirst
mild dehydration

Drinking more water usually resolves this easily.

Quick PG/VG Reference Table

Ratio	Best For	Device Type	Throat Hit	Cloud Production
50/50	Beginners and MTL vaping	Pod kits	Strong	Low
60/40	Ex-smokers	Pod systems	Very strong	Low
70/30	DTL vaping	Sub-ohm tanks	Moderate	High
80/20	Cloud chasing	Box mods	Mild	Very high
100% VG	PG sensitivity	Advanced setups	Minimal	Maximum

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best PG/VG ratio for beginners?

A 50/50 ratio is the best starting point for most beginners. It provides a good balance of flavour and throat hit. It is also compatible with most pod systems.

Can I use 70/30 liquid in a pod system?

Usually no. High-VG liquids are too thick for most pod coils and can cause dry hits or burnt coils.

Which ratio gives the biggest clouds?

80/20 VG/PG and 100% VG produce the largest vapour clouds.

Which ratio feels closest to smoking?

50/50 and 60/40 PG-heavy liquids provide a stronger throat hit and a cigarette-like sensation.

Why does high VG feel smoother?

VG naturally softens throat hit and creates denser vapour, making inhalation feel smoother.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right PG/VG ratio dramatically affects your vaping experience.

For beginners, 50/50 is often the safest and easiest option. It works well in almost every beginner pod system, delivering balanced flavour and nicotine satisfaction.

As users gain experience, many gradually experiment with higher VG liquids for smoother vapour and larger clouds.

At Vaping News, we’ve noticed a big pattern. Beginners who match their e-liquid ratio to their device avoid the most common problems right away.

The secret is simple: