Complete Guide to VG/PG Ratio in E-Liquids
Every E-Liquid has a PG/VG ratio, and this mixture determines the compatible devices and coils, plus the vaping style you’ll need to get the best results. Let’s break down everything you need to know to choose the right PG/VG ratio for the best vaping experience.
You may have seen percentages on the vape juice bottles you’re using—but what do they mean? Knowing the right PG/VG ratios to use can be incredibly confusing for new vapers, but fear not.
We’ll be breaking down what VG and PG are, how they function in a vape, and what you’ll need to consider when choosing the best PG/VG ratio for yourself.
E-Liquid Ingredients
All E-Liquids consist of up to 4 main ingredients. We cover this topic extensively in our other article, E-Liquid Ingredients Made Easy. As a quick run-down, all E-Liquids contain a mixture of VG, PG, nicotine, and flavourings. Some E-Liquids have no nicotine, some are PG-free, and some are even unflavoured. Regardless, there are never more than these 4 ingredients in any given E-Liquid.
Let’s break down the most important ingredients: VG & PG.
What are VG/PG Ratios in E-Liquid?
All E-Liquids are brewed with a base mixture consisting of Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and/or Propylene Glycol (PG). You’ll find that every bottle has a stated PG/VG ratio. Some will state only the VG ratio—70%, for example—which implies that the remaining 30% is PG. Make sense?
In fact, even the flavourings and nicotine—before being added to an E-Liquid—are first suspended in either PG or VG. When you buy a nicotine shot to add to your shortfill, for instance, the nicotine is suspended in a solution of either PG or VG (usually PG).
If you still feel a bit stuck, head over to our beginner’s guide to vape juice for a closer look at how E-Liquids work and how the different types will affect your vaping experience.
Now, the PG and VG content in any given E-Liquid governs a lot of factors—perhaps most importantly, it dictates how thick the vape juice is. The thickness of the liquid then determines which vape kits and vape coils the E-Liquid is compatible with.
Both PG and VG have a lot in common: they’re both colourless liquid with a slightly sweet taste. Both ingredients are also designed to carry flavour in an E-Liquid and are commonly used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
What is PG?
PG stands for propylene glycol, which is a thinner liquid compared to vegetable glycerine. Propylene glycol (PG) is commonly used as a food additive and in the medical industry in things like asthma inhalers and medications. Propylene glycol is considered safe for human consumption.
In E-Liquid, PG is responsible for delivering a strong throat hit and is considered a better flavour carrier than VG, allowing for more concentrated flavourings.
High-PG E-Liquids, like nicotine salts and 50/50 freebase nicotine E-Liquids, are available in higher nicotine strengths. And because the liquids are so thin compared to higher VG liquids and deliver a great throat hit, these juices are ideal for use in low-powered MTL vape kits like pod vapes and starter kits.
What is VG?
VG stands for vegetable glycerin—sometimes called vegetable glycerine or glycerol—which is a thicker liquid compared to propylene glycol. Vegetable glycerine is also used as a food additive and is derived from natural, plant-based sources. Like propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin is safe for human consumption.
In vape liquid, VG is responsible for the dense vapour production and smoother throat hit in sub-ohm vaping. Sub-ohm vapers opt for a higher VG ratio in their E-Liquid to achieve dense clouds and a strong lung hit.
High-VG E-Liquids, including shortfills, max VG, and 100% VG E-Liquids, are much thicker than high-PG E-Liquids. As a result, high VG concentrations work best with sub-ohm coils in a high-powered vaping device.
What PG/VG Ratio Should I Buy?
The PG/VG ratio of your E-Liquid will be determined by your vape kit and the resistance of the pods or coils you’re using. All coils are compatible with certain VG/PG blends.
Generally speaking, high-PG E-Liquids are for high-resistance coils and pods (above 0.8 ohm) in MTL devices, while high-VG E-Liquids are for low-resistance coils and pods (below 0.6 ohm) in sub-ohm devices.
It’s also important to note that PG/VG ratios influence your vaping style. Vape juice with a high PG ratio is better suited to MTL vaping, while high-VG juice is for DTL or sub-ohm vaping. You can read more about the different vaping styles in our in-depth guide: What is MTL and DTL vaping?
PG/VG Ratio | Viscosity | Vaping Style | Coil/Pod |
---|---|---|---|
50% PG or more | Thin | MTL | ≥ 0.8 ohm |
65% VG or more | Thick | DTL | ≤ 0.6 ohm |
If you’re unsure what VG/PG E-Liquid you’ll need for your specific e-cig kit, you can check the product description or the user manual to see which E-Liquids are compatible. You can also find this information in the product description for the pods or coils you’re using.
Depending on the vape pods or coils compatible with your vaping device, you may have the option of using different types of E-Liquid with different blend of PG and VG. The Vaporesso Luxe X, for example, has an MTL pod for high-PG E-Liquid and a DTL pod for high-VG E-Liquid. You’ll just need to make sure you use the correct type of vape juice for your respective pods or coils.
High-PG E-Liquids
Higher PG E-Liquids (with a 50% or higher PG ratio) offer a strong throat hit and higher nicotine strengths compared to high-VG fluids.
High-PG liquids offer a stronger, smoother throat hit and are designed specifically for use with low-powered vape kits using high-resistance coils or pods. This includes most basic pod vapes and starter vape kits—essentially any devices that support the MTL vaping style.
Nic Salts
Nic Salt E-Liquids are usually made with 50% or 60% propylene glycol. They have a special nicotine formulation allowing for a quicker nicotine delivery and a smoother throat hit at higher nicotine strengths compared to freebase nicotine, which tends to get harsher on the throat the higher the nicotine strength is.
Nicotine salts are the go-to choice for new vapers transitioning off of smoking tobacco thanks to the special nicotine formulation and the cigarette-like throat hit. Plus, nic salts are compatible with the most beginner-friendly kits on the market.
Freebase 50/50 E-Liquids
50/50 E-Liquids, like the name implies, are made with a 50/50 ratio of PG and VG. This vape juice is made with freebase nicotine, which offers a longer-lasting nicotine delivery. Freebase also has a more pronounced throat hit at higher nicotine strengths—unlike nicotine salts, which have a smooth throat hit no matter which strength you choose.
Because of the stronger throat hit, vapers usually opt for freebase 50/50 E-Liquids when they’ve successfully quit smoking and want to taper down their nicotine intake while still enjoying the great flavour and discreet vapour production of a high-PG E-Liquid.
High-VG E-Liquids
High-VG vape juices (with VG ratios above 60%) offer incredible vapour production and a strong lung hit. Higher VG E-Liquid comes nicotine-free in large bottles, requiring you to add your own nicotine.
The higher VG ratio means that the vape juices are thicker and require high-powered sub-ohm devices with low-resistance (sub-ohm) coils to work properly. Using these liquids in the wrong type of device can lead to an unpleasant (and burnt-tasting) vaping experience.
Juices with high VG concentrations are intended for the DTL vaping style, also known as sub-ohm. You can read our sub-ohm vaping guide for more information.
Shortfill E-Liquids
Shortfills come in a variety of different PG/VG ratios, from 50% VG to max VG, but most of them are high-VG liquids designed for sub-ohm vaping. The term “shortfill” refers to the fact that the vape juice is nicotine-free and comes “short filled” in a larger bottle. There’s enough space in the bottle for you to add a nicotine shot or two (depending on the bottle size) if you want to vape with nicotine.
There are a few shortfills made with a 50/50 ratio of PG and VG for MTL devices, so make sure you keep an eye on the VG/PG content when making a purchase.
Shortfills with a high VG ratio are ideal for sub-ohm vaping in advanced vape kits and mods. With the free space in the bottle, you can achieve up to a 3mg nicotine strength. For sub-ohm, the maximum recommended strength is 6mg. If you want 6mg, you’ll have to pour some of the flavoured liquid out and add another nicotine shot.
You won’t get the same throat hit with a high-VG shortfill, but you will get a more sturdy, strong lung hit when inhaling the vapour directly into your lungs.
100% VG E-Liquids
Vapers seeking the biggest possible clouds go for a 100% VG E-Liquid. Instead of PG and VG, these E-Liquids are completely free of propylene glycol (PG) and are instead made entirely of vegetable glycerin. This is how sub-ohm vapers win cloud chasing competitions.
100% VG E-Liquids aren’t known for their throat hit; they’re better known for their smooth lung inhale and gentle, sweet flavour. Plus, they’re particularly ideal for vapers with a PG sensitivity or intolerance.
PG intolerance can cause symptoms like coughing, sore throat, dry mouth, and skin irritation when vaping PG. Vapers who have an issue with propylene glycol can get PG-free shortfills like these and add 100% VG nic shots to ensure their vape juice is entirely made of vegetable glycerin.
The main (subjective) downside to 100% high-VG liquids is that the flavour isn’t as strong compared to an E-Liquid with 50/50 VG/PG. This is because VG isn’t as good of a flavour carrier as PG is. Still, many vapers prefer the more natural taste.
What’s the best PG/VG Ratio?
There really is no “best” PG/VG ratio—this will depend on your device. Ensuring you get the best PG/VG ratio for your specific kit, coil, vaping experience level, and vaping style is key to a satisfying vaping experience.
Best Devices for High-PG E-Liquids
If you’re interested in using an E-Liquid with a high PG ratio, you’ll need a pod kit or a starter vape kit that supports MTL vaping. This is because the thinner consistency of the liquids requires a low power output to prevent leakage and burning. The coils or pods for these devices will have a resistance of 0.8 ohm or above.
Best Devices for High-VG E-Liquids
And if you’re a more advanced vaper looking to try an E-Liquid with a high VG ratio, you’ll need a high-powered device with a sub-ohm coil. This is to ensure that the thicker liquids can adequately saturate the coils to keep from burning. The coils or pods for these devices will have a resistance of 0.6 ohm or lower.
Best Devices for 100% VG E-Liquids
If you experience a sore throat, coughing, or skin issues with vaping, you might have a sensitivity to propylene glycol. If you want to try to 100% VG, you’ll need to ensure your kit supports DTL and uses coils with large wicking holes. You can learn more about what you’ll need in our article on the best vape kits for 100% VG E-Liquids.
Summary: VG & PG
From pre-mixed E-Liquid to DIY, PG and VG make up the base mixture in every E-Liquid. Knowing the best PG/VG ratio to use for your specific circumstances is key to a smooth (and leak-free) vaping experience.
As a quick recap, when choosing which VG/PG ratios to buy, you’ll need to take into account your hardware set-up and your vaping style. Remember: high-VG E-Liquid is for experienced vapers using sub-ohm vape kits, while higher PG E-Liquids are great for beginners using low-powered pod kits and starter kits.
Both PG and VG are critical to your vaping experience, as they make up the base of every E-Liquid, and understanding what VG/PG blend you need in an E-Liquid is key to success.
If you’re still confused about VG & PG or you need more help before making a purchase, we’re here to help you have the best vaping experience. Contact our support via phone, email, or live chat and one of our expert team members would be happy to assist you.