Confused about PG/VG ratios? You're not alone. Every vaper, from beginner to expert, starts with the same questions about what those numbers on the e-liquid bottle mean. Here at Vape Offers, we’ve helped thousands of UK vapers find their perfect puff. It all starts with understanding the two key ingredients. These ingredients shape your entire vaping experience. They are Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerine (VG).
This guide will break it all down for you. We'll explain what PG and VG are, how their ratio affects flavour, clouds, and throat hit, and how to choose the perfect e-liquid for your device. Whether you’re a recent ex-smoker or a cloud-chasing hobbyist, you’ll leave knowing exactly what you need.
What Are PG and VG?
Before we dive into ratios, let's get to know the two main components of your vape juice.
What Does PG/VG Mean?
PG and VG are the colourless, odourless liquids that form the base of your e-liquid. They carry the flavour and nicotine, and when heated by your vape coil, they turn into the vapour you inhale. The ratio between them is what defines the character of a vape juice.
Propylene Glycol (PG) is a thin liquid known for its ability to carry flavour effectively. It also provides the "throat hit"—that familiar sensation at the back of your throat, similar to smoking a traditional cigarette.
Vegetable Glycerine (VG) is a thicker, slightly sweet liquid. Its primary role is to produce dense vapour clouds. The more VG in an e-liquid, the bigger and thicker the clouds will be.
PG vs VG: Key Differences
Understanding the distinct properties of PG and VG is the first step to choosing the right e-liquid. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Aspect | Propylene Glycol (PG) | Vegetable Glycerine (VG) |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour Intensity | Stronger, carries flavour well | Milder, can be slightly sweet |
| Throat Hit | Stronger, more pronounced | Smoother, less intense |
| Vapour Production | Less, thinner clouds | More, denser clouds |
| Viscosity | Thinner liquid | Thicker liquid |
| Coil Gunking | Minimal | Higher (can shorten coil life) |
Why PG/VG Ratios Matter
The ratio of PG to VG isn't just a technical detail; it's the recipe that determines how your e-liquid will feel, taste, and look when you vape.
PG/VG Ratio Explained
The ratio is usually displayed on the bottle as two numbers, like 50/50 or 70/30. Ratios are usually written as PG/VG, but some brands reverse this. For example, a 70/30 could mean 70% VG / 30% PG. Always check the product description. Getting this balance right is crucial for device compatibility and overall satisfaction. A thick, high-VG liquid can clog up a small pod device, while a thin, high-PG liquid might leak from a powerful sub-ohm tank.
Common PG/VG Ratios and Their Uses
Most e-liquids in the UK fall into a few standard ratios. Let's explore the most common ones and what they're best for.
50/50 Vape Juice: The Balanced Option
A 50/50 ratio offers the best of both worlds: a satisfying throat hit, good flavour delivery, and a moderate amount of vapour. It's the most versatile option and the perfect starting point for new vapers. These e-liquids work brilliantly in most starter kits and pod systems.
70/30 Vape Juice: For Cloud Chasers
A 70% VG, 30% PG blend is the go-to for sub-ohm vapers. The higher VG content produces thick, dense clouds, while still offering a smooth vape with decent flavour. This thicker liquid is designed for powerful devices (mods) with low-resistance coils.
Max VG E-Liquid: For RDAs and Mods
Max VG e-liquids (often 80% VG or higher) are all about cloud production. The throat hit is minimal, and the flavour can be more subtle. These are thick juices best suited for advanced vapers. They are ideal for use with rebuildable dripping atomisers (RDAs) or high-wattage mods. They are not recommended for standard pod kits or tanks.
High PG Vape Juice: For Ex-Smokers
E-liquids with more PG than VG (like 40/60 VG/PG) deliver a sharp throat hit that many ex-smokers look for. Flavour is intense, but cloud production is discreet. These are ideal for low-power mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices.
What's Your Goal? A Quick Guide
- Chasing Massive Clouds? → Go for 70/30 VG/PG or Max VG e-liquids.
- Craving Rich Flavour? → 50/50 or a High PG blend is your best bet.
- Need a Strong Throat Hit? → Look for High PG e-liquids.
Quick-Reference Chart
| Ratio | Best For | Device Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| 50/50 e-liquids | Beginners, MTL vaping, Nic Salts | Pods, Starter Kits, Small Tanks |
| 70/30 e-liquids | Large clouds, DTL vaping, Smoothness | Sub-Ohm Tanks, Mods |
| Max VG e-liquids | Extreme clouds, cloud competitions | RDAs, Advanced Mods |
| High PG e-liquids | Strong throat hit, ex-smokers | MTL Tanks, Pod Systems |
Choosing the Right Ratio for Your Device
Your vape kit plays a huge role in what e-liquid you should use. Using the wrong ratio can lead to leaks, burnt coils (dry hits), or poor performance.
PG/VG Ratios for Beginners
If you're just starting, we always recommend a 50/50 PG/VG ratio. It’s the most forgiving and works well with the simple, low-power pod kits that most new vapers use. You get a nice balance of flavour, throat hit, and vapour to help you figure out what you like.
PG/VG Ratios for Pods, Mods, Disposables, and MTL Tanks
When it comes to choosing the right PG/VG ratio, device compatibility is key. Each type of vape device works best with specific liquid blends. Here’s what you need to know:
| Device Type | Recommended PG/VG Ratio | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable Vapes | 50/50 nic salts | Disposables are all about convenience. They’re usually pre-filled with 50/50 nic salt, offering a smooth vape with minimal leaks. |
| Pods & Starter Kits | 50/50 or High PG e-liquids | These devices use small coils with tiny wicking holes, requiring thinner liquid to absorb properly. Thicker, high-VG juices can clog coils and cause burnout. |
| MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) Tanks | 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG e-liquids | MTL tanks closely mimic the draw of a traditional cigarette. They perform best with balanced (50/50) or slightly higher PG (60/40 PG/VG) for better throat hit and flavour. |
| Mods & Sub-Ohm Tanks | 70/30 or Max VG e-liquids | Built for thicker liquids, these powerful devices have large coils and wide wicking ports. This ensures optimal performance and prevents leaks. |
No matter your device! whether it’s a throwaway disposable or an advanced sub-ohm mod. Matching your e-liquid’s ratio to your kit ensures a smoother and more satisfying vape.
PG/VG Ratios for Specific Goals
Now that you know the basics, let's fine-tune your choice based on what you want from your vape.
| Preference | Recommended Ratio | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Throat Hit | High PG (60% PG or higher, e.g., 60/40 PG/VG) e-liquids | Ideal for ex-smokers looking for a sharp, cigarette-like sensation. |
| Flavour | 50/50 or High PG e-liquids | PG enhances vibrant flavours, while VG's sweetness can sometimes mute delicate notes. |
| Clouds | 70/30 VG/PG or Max VG e-liquids | More VG means bigger clouds, with Max VG e-liquids being the choice for competitive-level vapour. |
Special Considerations
Some types of e-liquids and vaping styles have specific ratio needs.
Nicotine Salts and PG/VG Ratios
Nicotine salts are a popular choice for their smooth throat hit, even at high nicotine strengths. The vast majority of nic salt e-liquids come in a 50/50 PG/VG ratio. This blend is perfect for the low-power pod systems that nic salts are designed for. It ensures efficient nicotine delivery without harshness.
PG/VG Ratios for Ex-Smokers
For those transitioning from smoking, replicating the experience is key. We recommend a 50/50 or High PG e-liquid combined with a simple MTL (mouth-to-lung) vape kit. This setup mimics the draw and throat hit of a traditional cigarette.
DIY E-Liquids and PG/VG Ratios
Mixing your own e-liquid opens up a world of customisation. You can create any PG/VG ratio you desire. When starting your DIY journey, begin with a 50/50 base. Remember, the viscosity of your final mix will determine which device it works best in. This helps you understand how ingredients work together. Later, you can experiment with thicker or thinner blends.
Compliance and Safety
As a responsible UK vendor, we at Vape Offers believe in transparency and safety.
UK TPD Regulations and PG/VG Ratios
In the UK, all nicotine-containing e-liquids are governed by the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). This means:
| Regulation | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum e-liquid bottle size (nicotine) | 10ml |
| Maximum nicotine strength | 20mg/ml |
| Maximum vape tank capacity | 2ml |
These regulations have influenced the market. Because many TPD-compliant starter kits and pods work best with thinner liquids, 50/50 has become one of the most common ratios in the UK.
Age Restrictions and Safety Notes
Vaping products are for adults only and must not be sold to or used by anyone under the age of 18. Furthermore, it's reassuring to know that both PG and VG are widely used in food products, cosmetics, and medicines. They are safe for ingestion but not fully studied for long-term inhalation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What PG/VG ratio is best for beginners?
A 50/50 ratio is the best starting point. It’s compatible with most beginner-friendly devices. It provides a balanced experience of flavour, throat hit, and vapour.
Which ratio gives the smoothest throat hit?
A higher VG ratio (such as 70/30) will give you a smoother throat hit. Nicotine salt e-liquids are also known for smoothness, even at high nicotine levels.
What ratio is best for clouds?
For the biggest clouds, you need a high VG ratio. A 70/30 blend is the standard for great cloud production, while Max VG e-liquids are for those who want the absolute maximum vapour possible.
Does PG or VG affect nicotine strength?
PG doesn’t alter the actual nicotine strength (mg/ml), but it delivers nicotine more sharply, hitting the sensation of a stronger throat. However, PG delivers the "kick" or throat hit from nicotine more effectively, which can make the nicotine feel stronger.
Your Perfect Vape Awaits
Choosing the right PG/VG ratio might seem technical at first. However, it’s really about matching your e-liquid to your personal preference and your device. Whether you prioritise intense flavour, a satisfying throat hit, or impressive clouds, there is a perfect ratio out there for you.
Don't be afraid to experiment! Start with a balanced 50/50 blend and see how you get on. As you become more familiar with vaping, you can try different ratios to discover what you truly enjoy.
Ready to find your ideal ratio? Shop our huge range of 50/50, 70/30, and Nic Salt e-liquids at Vape Offers today!
