VG/PG Ratio: What Mix Should You Actually Be Using?
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Table of contents
VG/PG Ratio: What Mix Should You Actually Be Using? What Does VG/PG Ratio Actually Mean? Which VG/PG Ratio Is Right for Your Vaping Style? Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Vaping Direct-to-Lung (DTL) and Sub-Ohm Vaping The 50/50 Sweet Spot Does VG/PG Ratio Affect Nicotine Strength? Can You Be Sensitive to PG? A Quick Summary: Choosing Your VG/PG Ratio
VG/PG Ratio: What Mix Should You Actually Be Using?
Choosing your VG/PG ratio. Sounds like the sort of thing you'd need a chemistry degree to figure out, doesn't it? Two mysterious acronyms, a stack of conflicting advice on forums, and enough variables to make your head spin before you've even taken a single puff. But here's the thing: it really isn't that complicated. Once you understand what VG and PG actually do, picking the right ratio becomes as straightforward as choosing a flavour. Well, almost.
Whether you're brand new to vaping or you've been at it for years and never quite landed on your ideal mix, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. No jargon, no faff, just honest and helpful information.
What Does VG/PG Ratio Actually Mean?
Before you can pick the right ratio, it helps to know what you're actually dealing with. VG stands for Vegetable Glycerin, and PG stands for Propylene Glycol. Together, they form the base of virtually every e-liquid on the market. The ratio simply tells you how much of each ingredient is in your bottle.
VG is thick, slightly sweet, and responsible for producing those dense, satisfying clouds. PG, on the other hand, is thinner, carries flavour more effectively, and delivers that familiar throat hit that many ex-smokers find reassuring. Neither one is better than the other. They simply do different jobs, and the ratio between them determines what kind of vaping experience you get.
A 50/50 e-liquid, for instance, contains equal parts VG and PG. A 70/30 or 80/20 leans heavily towards VG and is typically favoured by cloud chasers. Meanwhile, a higher PG blend suits those who want more throat hit and a sharper flavour profile.
Which VG/PG Ratio Is Right for Your Vaping Style?
Here's where it gets personal. The best ratio depends entirely on how you vape and what you want from it. There's no universal answer, which is probably why it confuses so many people. Let's break it down by style.
Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Vaping
If you're a mouth-to-lung vaper, which is the style most closely resembling how you'd smoke a cigarette, then a higher PG ratio is usually your best bet. Something in the range of 50/50 to 60PG/40VG tends to work well. The thinner consistency is better suited to the tighter coils and lower-powered devices typically used for MTL vaping, and the stronger throat hit feels more familiar if you're coming from cigarettes.
Optimal Ratios: Use e-liquids with a higher PG (Propylene Glycol) content, typically ranging from 50/50 to 60/40 PG/VG.
The "Cigarette" Feel: This style most closely mimics the sensation of smoking, providing a stronger, more familiar throat hit
Device Compatibility: The thinner consistency is perfect for tighter coils and lower-powered devices, such as basic starter kits and pod systems.
Flavour Over Clouds: While you will see less vapor production, these ratios prioritize flavour clarity and a satisfying nicotine hit.
Wicking Efficiency: Because the liquid is thinner, it wicks quickly into smaller coils, helping to prevent "dry hits" in low-wattage setups.
Direct-to-Lung (DTL) and Sub-Ohm Vaping
For direct-to-lung vaping, where you inhale straight into the lungs rather than holding the vapour in your mouth first, a higher VG content is the way forward. Most sub-ohm vapers reach for a 70/30 or even 80/20 VG/PG ratio. The thicker consistency suits the larger coils and higher wattages involved, and it produces the kind of voluminous clouds that sub-ohm vaping is known for.
Optimal Ratios: Use e-liquids with a higher VG (Vegetable Glycerine) content, typically 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG.
Performance: The thicker consistency is designed for larger coils and higher wattages, resulting in significantly larger vapour clouds.
Avoid 50/50 Blends: Steer clear of 50/50 ratios for DTL setups; the liquid is too thin for sub-ohm coils, which often leads to leaking and potential "spit-back."
Coil Longevity: High-VG liquids are thicker and harder on equipment, meaning you will likely need to replace your coils more frequently.
Device Compatibility: These blends are not suitable for pod systems or basic starter kits; always verify that your device is sub-ohm compatible.
The 50/50 Sweet Spot
Not everyone wants to be a cloud chaser, and not everyone is fresh off cigarettes craving maximum throat hit. If you're somewhere in the middle, then a 50/50 VG/PG ratio is wonderfully versatile. It works across a wide range of devices, delivers a decent balance of flavour and vapour, and is broadly compatible with most vape kits from starter setups to mid-range mods.
If you've just started vaping and have no idea where to begin, start here. A 50/50 e-liquid is forgiving, consistent, and gives you a fair representation of what vaping actually feels like before you start fine-tuning to your preferences. Just make sure you don't dump it into a sub ohm coil and expect it to stay in the tank!
Does VG/PG Ratio Affect Nicotine Strength?
This is a question that comes up a lot, and it's a sensible one. The short answer is: not directly, but the two are closely related in practice.
Higher-VG e-liquids are generally paired with lower nicotine strengths, typically 3mg or 6mg. That's because sub-ohm devices produce far more vapour per puff, so you're effectively taking in more nicotine per inhale even at a lower concentration. Using a high-strength nicotine e-liquid in a sub-ohm device would be an overwhelming experience, to put it politely.
Higher-PG blends, used in MTL devices, tend to pair well with higher nicotine concentrations such as 12mg, 18mg, or nicotine salt formulations which can go up to 20mg. The restricted airflow and lower vapour production means you're inhaling less per puff, so a stronger nicotine hit is needed to feel satisfying.
In short: match your nicotine strength to your device and VG/PG ratio, not just your personal preference. Getting this wrong is one of the most common reasons new vapers end up disappointed.
Can You Be Sensitive to PG?
Yes, and it's more common than people realise. Some vapers find that higher-PG e-liquids cause irritation in the throat, dry mouth, or a slight allergic reaction. If you've started vaping and found the experience uncomfortably harsh despite using a sensible nicotine strength, it's worth considering whether PG sensitivity might be the culprit.
The fix is simple: try a higher-VG blend. Many people with mild PG sensitivity get on perfectly well with a 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG e-liquid. In more severe cases, full VG e-liquids are available, though these are best suited to specific sub-ohm setups and can be harder to find.
A Quick Summary: Choosing Your VG/PG Ratio
Not a fan of reading paragraphs? Fair enough. Here's the condensed version:
- 50/50 VG/PG is the all-rounder. It works in most devices, suits a wide range of vaping styles, and is the best starting point for beginners. But it can leak when used with sub ohm coils!
- High PG (60/40 or more PG) suits MTL vapers, those who prefer a stronger throat hit, and anyone using a pod system or basic starter kit. This has an even greater chance of leaking with sub ohm coils!
- High VG (70/30 or 80/20) is for sub-ohm and DTL vapers who want maximum cloud production and a smoother inhale.
The beauty of the VG/PG ratio system is that it's entirely adjustable. You're not locked into anything. If one ratio doesn't suit you, try another. Most e-liquid brands offer the same flavours in multiple ratios, so experimentation is both easy and encouraged. The goal, ultimately, is an experience that feels right for you, and with a little knowledge behind you, finding it is genuinely straightforward.
So go on. Stop second-guessing yourself, pick a ratio that suits your setup, and get vaping.
