PG vs VG: A Guide to E-Liquid Ratios

If you've ever looked closely at a bottle of e-liquid, you've probably noticed ratios such as 50/50, 70/30 or 80/20. These numbers refer to the balance of PG and VG, the two main ingredients found in almost every vape juice.

Choosing the right ratio can have a noticeable impact on flavour, vapour production and how your vape performs. Understanding what PG and VG do makes it much easier to select an e-liquid that suits both your device and your personal preferences.

Here's everything you need to know about PG vs VG.

What Is PG?

PG stands for propylene glycol.

It's a colourless, almost odourless liquid that's widely used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.

In e-liquid, PG is responsible for:

• Carrying flavour effectively
  
• Providing a stronger throat hit
  
• Producing a thinner liquid consistency
  
• Wicking quickly into vape coils
  

Because it's less viscous than VG, PG works particularly well in smaller pod systems and mouth-to-lung vape kits.

What Is VG?

VG stands for vegetable glycerine.

It's a thicker liquid derived from vegetable oils and has a naturally mild sweetness.

VG is responsible for:

• Producing dense vapour clouds
  
• Creating a smoother inhale
  
• Adding slight sweetness to flavours
  
• Making e-liquid thicker
  

Higher VG liquids are commonly used in sub-ohm vape kits designed for larger vapour production.

What Do E-Liquid Ratios Mean?

The ratio printed on a bottle shows the balance between VG and PG.

For example:

• 50/50 = 50% VG and 50% PG
  
• 70/30 = 70% VG and 30% PG
  
• 80/20 = 80% VG and 20% PG
  

Each blend delivers a different vaping experience.

The best choice depends on your device and how you prefer to vape.

50/50 E-Liquid

A balanced 50/50 blend is one of the most popular options.

It offers:

• Good flavour
  
• Moderate vapour production
  
• A satisfying throat hit
  
• Fast wicking in pod systems
  

Most nicotine salt e-liquids use a 50/50 ratio because it works well with low-powered devices.

If you're using a pod kit or mouth-to-lung vape, this is usually the recommended option.

High VG E-Liquid

Higher VG blends, such as 70/30, are designed for more powerful vape devices.

Benefits include:

• Larger vapour clouds
  
• Smooth inhale
  
• Rich vapour production
  
• Softer throat hit
  

Because these liquids are thicker, they require coils with larger wicking ports and devices capable of producing higher power.

Using high VG liquid in a small pod kit may lead to poor wicking or dry hits.

Which Ratio Produces More Vapour?

VG is the ingredient responsible for producing larger clouds.

Higher VG liquids generate noticeably denser vapour than balanced or high-PG blends.

This is why cloud-chasing devices almost always use e-liquids containing 70% VG or more.

If vapour production is your priority, a higher VG ratio is usually the better choice.

Which Ratio Gives Better Flavour?

There's no single answer.

PG carries flavour molecules particularly well, which often results in slightly sharper, more pronounced flavours.

VG adds smoothness and sweetness, which many people also enjoy.

For most everyday vaping, balanced 50/50 blends offer an excellent combination of flavour and vapour.

What About Nicotine Salts?

Most nicotine salt e-liquids use a 50/50 ratio because they're designed for pod systems.

This combination provides:

• Efficient nicotine delivery
  
• Smooth throat hit
  
• Reliable wicking
  
• Consistent flavour
  

If you're using Bar Juice pod-compatible e-liquids, they're formulated specifically to work well with refillable pod devices, delivering a smooth vape without overwhelming smaller coils.

Which Ratio Is Best for Beginners?

For most new vapers, a 50/50 e-liquid is the safest place to start.

It's compatible with the majority of beginner pod kits and offers a balanced vaping experience.

As you become more experienced, you may decide to experiment with higher VG blends if you purchase a more powerful device.

Can You Use Any Ratio in Any Vape?

Not always.

Using the wrong e-liquid for your device may result in:

• Dry hits
  
• Poor vapour production
  
• Coil flooding
  
• Leaking
  
• Reduced coil lifespan
  

Always check your device manufacturer's recommendations before changing e-liquid types.

Matching the correct ratio to your vape helps ensure consistent performance.

Choosing the Right E-Liquid

There are many different e-liquid formulations available, including nicotine salts, freebase nicotine and varying PG/VG ratios.

Understanding these differences helps you choose an e-liquid that's compatible with your device while delivering the flavour, throat hit and vapour production you prefer.

If you're unsure, a balanced 50/50 nicotine salt remains one of the easiest and most reliable options for pod systems.

Which Ratio Is Right for You?

Your ideal PG/VG ratio depends on:

• Your vape device
  
• Preferred vapour production
  
• Desired throat hit
  
• Nicotine strength
  
• Personal flavour preferences
  

Many people stay with 50/50 indefinitely, while others move to higher VG blends after switching to more advanced devices.

There's no universally "best" ratio—only the one that suits your vaping style.

Final Thoughts

PG and VG are the two main ingredients that determine how your e-liquid performs. PG delivers stronger flavour and throat hit, while VG produces smoother inhales and larger vapour clouds.

Choosing the correct ratio for your device is just as important as choosing the right flavour. By understanding how PG and VG work together, you'll be able to enjoy a more consistent and satisfying vaping experience while getting the best performance from your vape kit.