Every bottle of e-liquid lists a PG/VG ratio — something like 50/50 or 70/30 — and for new vapers it is one of the most confusing numbers on the label. Yet that ratio shapes almost everything about how a juice performs: the throat hit, the flavour, the size of your clouds, and even whether it works properly in your device.
In this guide, we explain what PG and VG are, how each one affects your vape, and how to pick the right ratio for your device and preferences.
Note: e-liquids contain nicotine, an addictive chemical, and are intended for adults 21 and older.
What Are PG and VG?
PG and VG are the two base liquids that make up the bulk of any e-liquid. Flavourings and (optionally) nicotine are added to this base. Both are common, widely used ingredients — the difference is in how they behave when vaporised.
PG (Propylene Glycol)
PG is a thin, colourless, nearly flavourless liquid. Because it is thin, it carries flavour crisply and delivers a stronger throat hit — the sensation many people transitioning from cigarettes are looking for. It produces less visible vapour than VG.
VG (Vegetable Glycerin)
VG is a thicker, slightly sweet liquid derived from plant oils. It produces the big, dense clouds associated with sub-ohm vaping and gives a smoother, softer inhale, but it mutes flavour slightly and its thickness can wick more slowly in small coils.
How the PG/VG Ratio Affects Your Vape
The ratio is a balance between these two sets of traits:
- Throat hit: higher PG = stronger throat hit; higher VG = smoother inhale.
- Flavour: higher PG carries flavour more sharply; high VG softens it slightly.
- Vapour/clouds: higher VG = bigger clouds; higher PG = less vapour.
- Wicking: thin PG wicks easily in small coils; thick VG suits larger sub-ohm coils built for it.
Common PG/VG Ratios and Who They Suit
50/50
A balanced, all-round ratio. Thin enough to wick well in small pod systems and starter kits, with a satisfying throat hit and good flavour. This is the most versatile choice and pairs naturally with nic-salt e-liquids and lower-powered devices.
70/30 (VG/PG)
A higher-VG blend built for bigger clouds and a smooth inhale. It suits sub-ohm tanks and higher-powered devices designed to handle thicker liquid. It is not ideal for small pod coils, which can struggle to wick it.
Max VG
Very high-VG liquid for dedicated cloud-chasing on powerful sub-ohm setups. Reserve it for devices specifically made for it.
Which PG/VG Ratio Should You Choose?
- Using a pod system, disposable or starter kit? Go with 50/50. It wicks properly in small coils and gives a good throat hit — and it is what most nic-salt liquids use.
- Using a sub-ohm tank or powerful mod? Choose a higher-VG ratio like 70/30 for smooth, cloudy performance.
- Chasing maximum clouds? Max VG, but only on a device designed for it.
Matching the ratio to your device is not just about preference — the wrong ratio can cause weak flavour or even a burnt taste from poor wicking. When in doubt, ask before you buy.
A Note on Sensitivity
Some people find they are sensitive to high-PG liquids, experiencing a dry throat or mild irritation. If a high-PG juice does not agree with you, a higher-VG blend on a suitable device is an easy switch. Everyone is a little different, which is another reason it helps to talk to a knowledgeable shop rather than guessing.
Does PG/VG Affect Coil Life?
Yes — and it is worth knowing before you buy. Thicker, high-VG liquids leave more residue on the coil as they vaporise, which builds up over time and shortens coil life. Sweet, high-VG juices in particular tend to “gunk” coils faster. Thinner, higher-PG liquids are gentler on coils but produce fewer clouds. It is another small trade-off baked into the ratio: bigger clouds usually mean changing coils a little more often.
How PG/VG Pairs With Nicotine Type
PG/VG ratio and nicotine type go hand in hand, because both are tied to your device. As a rule of thumb:
- 50/50 liquids wick well in small coils and are the natural match for nicotine-salt e-liquids and pod systems.
- High-VG liquids (70/30 or more) suit freebase nicotine in higher-powered sub-ohm devices built for clouds.
If you already know whether you are using nic salt or freebase, that alone points you toward the right ratio — which is why the two decisions are best made together.
How to Read a PG/VG Label
Once you know what the numbers mean, the label becomes easy. A ratio is written as PG/VG or sometimes VG/PG, so “70/30 VG/PG” means 70% vegetable glycerin and 30% propylene glycol. “Max VG” means the liquid is almost entirely VG with only enough PG to carry flavour. If a bottle does not state a ratio, ask — a good shop will always know what it is selling.
Find Your Ideal Ratio at Vapor Hub ATL
Vapor Hub ATL stocks e-liquids across the full range of PG/VG ratios and flavours, plus the devices to match, at locations throughout the Atlanta metro area. Buying in person means you can confirm the right ratio for your device the first time. Browse our vape and e-liquid range, explore all products, find your nearest shop on the Stores page, or contact us with any question.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PG/VG mean in vape juice? PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerin) are the two base liquids in e-liquid. The ratio between them sets the throat hit, flavour and cloud production.
Is PG or VG better? Neither is universally better — they do different jobs. PG gives more throat hit and flavour; VG gives smoother, bigger clouds. The best choice depends on your device.
What is the best PG/VG ratio for beginners? 50/50 is the most versatile starting point. It wicks well in small devices and balances throat hit, flavour and vapour.
Why does high-VG juice sometimes taste burnt in my pod? Thick VG can wick too slowly in small coils, starving the wick and scorching it. Use a lower-VG ratio like 50/50 in pod systems.
Get the Right Vape Juice at Vapor Hub ATL
Unsure which PG/VG ratio fits your device? Visit a Vapor Hub ATL location and our team will match the right e-liquid to your setup — so you get the throat hit, flavour and clouds you’re after.
