Vape Guide
PG vs VG in Vape Juice: What's the Difference and Which Ratio Is Right for You?
Look at any bottle of vape juice and you'll see something like "50/50" or "70/30". Those numbers are the ratio of two base ingredients: PG and VG. They make up the majority of every e-liquid, and the balance between them changes everything about how your vape feels, tastes, and performs. Nicotine format matters just as much, which is covered in nic salt versus freebase.
PG vs VG: what each one does
| Property | PG (Propylene Glycol) | VG (Vegetable Glycerin) |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Thin, watery | Thick, viscous |
| Flavour delivery | Excellent, sharp and defined | Good, slightly muted |
| Throat hit | Noticeable, a cigarette-like kick | Smooth, very little hit |
| Vapour production | Light | Dense, large clouds |
| Wicking speed | Fast, absorbs quickly into cotton | Slow, can cause dry hits if too thick |
| Natural taste | Neutral | Slightly sweet |
Common PG/VG ratios explained
| Ratio | Best for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 50/50 | Pod systems, MTL devices, nic salts | Balanced throat hit, clear flavour, moderate vapour. The standard ratio for pod users. |
| 60/40 or 70/30 VG | Sub-ohm tanks, direct-lung devices | More vapour, smoother inhale, slightly less flavour definition. Most freebase shortfills sit here, and so do the 120ml longfills. |
| Max VG (80/20+) | High-power sub-ohm setups only | Maximum cloud production, very smooth, minimal throat hit. Will not wick in pod systems. |
Which ratio should you use?
Match your ratio to your device
- Pod system / MTL device: 50/50, paired with nic salts and an MTL draw for best results
- Sub-ohm / direct-lung device: 70/30 or higher, with low-strength freebase nicotine
- Switching from smoking, want throat hit: higher PG (50/50) gives the most cigarette-like sensation
- Want big clouds: higher VG, but only in a device built for sub-ohm vaping
- Sensitive to PG?: switch to a higher VG ratio, as VG is gentler on the throat for sensitive users
The golden rule: match the liquid to the device. High-VG juice in a pod system causes dry hits and burns coils. Thin 50/50 in a high-powered sub-ohm tank can leak and spit. Get the match right and everything works better. If you want 50/50 nic salts with the option of opening the airflow up later, the Vaporesso XROS 5 Mini at R429 and the OXVA NeXLIM Go at R369 both have adjustable airflow.
Frequently asked questions
What does 50/50 mean on a vape juice bottle?
It means the e-liquid is 50% propylene glycol (PG) and 50% vegetable glycerin (VG) by volume. This balanced ratio gives a noticeable throat hit, clear flavour delivery, and moderate vapour, and it's the standard for pod systems and mouth-to-lung devices.
Is high VG or high PG better for pod systems?
For pod systems, 50/50 is best. High-VG liquids (70/30+) are too thick for the small coils and tight wicking in pod devices. They cause dry hits and burn the coil. Stick to 50/50 for any MTL or pod system.
Does PG or VG cause allergies?
A small number of people are mildly sensitive to PG, experiencing dry throat or mild irritation. True PG allergy is rare. If you notice irritation, try switching to a higher-VG ratio (60/40 or 70/30) and see if that helps.
Why does high-VG juice burn my coils faster?
VG is thicker than PG, so it wicks more slowly into coil cotton. In a device not designed for high-VG liquid, particularly pod systems with small, tight coils, the cotton can't absorb the liquid fast enough, causing dry spots that burn. The fix is to use 50/50 in pod systems and save high-VG for sub-ohm tanks.
