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.
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 — 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. |
| 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 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; 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.
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 — 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.
