When you start exploring the world of vaping, you’ll come across two key ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG). These are the main components of every e-liquid, and they play a crucial role in balancing flavour and vapour production.
The PG/VG ratio refers to the proportion of these two ingredients in your e-liquid. It’s like a blueprint for your vaping experience, influencing factors such as throat hit and cloud density. For example, a 70/30 ratio means 70% of one ingredient and 30% of the other.
Getting the right PG/VG ratio is important for optimising your vaping experience. Here’s what can happen if you choose the wrong ratio:
- Unsatisfying flavour intensity
- Harsh throat hits
- Poor cloud production
- Potential compatibility issues with your device
Whether you’re someone who loves big clouds or a former smoker looking for a familiar throat hit, understanding PG/VG ratios gives you control over your vaping experience. In this article, we’ll explain how these ratios work and help you find the perfect balance for yourself.
Understanding PG and VG
PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerin) are the main ingredients in e-liquids, each with its own unique qualities that enhance your vaping experience.
What is Propylene Glycol (PG)?
PG is a thin, colourless liquid that has no smell and low thickness. It is known for its ability to carry flavours effectively due to its molecular structure. When you vape with PG-based e-liquids, you’ll experience a similar sensation to smoking traditional cigarettes because of the ‘throat hit’ it provides. PG also has quick-wicking properties, making it suitable for most vaping devices. If you prefer intense flavours, look for e-liquids with higher PG content.
What is Vegetable Glycerin (VG)?
VG, on the other hand, is a natural liquid derived from plants that has a thick consistency. It has a slightly sweet taste that complements various e-liquid flavours. One of the key features of VG is its ability to produce dense vapour clouds, making it popular among cloud-chasers. When you inhale VG-based e-liquids, you’ll notice a smoother sensation with minimal throat impact. However, due to its higher thickness, VG may require more powerful devices for optimal performance.
How PG and VG Affect Your Vaping Experience
The specific characteristics of these two base liquids create different vaping experiences:
PG’s Role in Vaping
- Carries flavours more effectively than VG
- Provides a pronounced throat hit
- Thinner consistency allows faster coil saturation
- Less likely to cause coil build-up
VG’s Cloud-Chasing Properties
- Creates thick, dense vapour clouds
- Delivers a smooth, gentle inhale
- Perfect for direct-lung vaping styles
- Adds natural sweetness to e-liquid blends
These base ingredients work together in varying ratios to create e-liquids suited for different vaping preferences and device requirements. The balance between PG and VG affects everything from flavour intensity to cloud production, making it essential to understand their properties when selecting your ideal e-liquid.
Impact of PG/VG Ratios on Vaping Experience
The PG/VG ratio directly influences three key aspects of your vaping experience: flavour intensity, throat hit, and vapour production. Each ratio creates a distinct combination of these elements, allowing you to customise your vape to match your preferences.
Flavour Intensity
- High PG ratios (60% or more) deliver sharper, clearer flavours
- VG tends to mute flavours slightly, creating a smoother taste
- Sweet and dessert flavours often work well with higher VG ratios
- Tobacco and menthol flavours shine with higher PG content
Throat Hit Sensation
- PG provides a stronger throat hit, similar to traditional cigarettes
- Higher VG creates a softer, gentler throat sensation
- 50/50 blends offer a balanced throat hit
- New vapers might prefer starting with lower PG ratios (30-40%)
Vapour Production
- VG is responsible for thick, dense clouds
- Higher VG ratios (70% or above) produce substantial vapour
- PG-heavy ratios create thinner, less visible vapour
- Cloud chasers typically opt for at least 70% VG
Device Compatibility
- Sub-ohm devices work best with high VG ratios
- Pod systems and starter kits handle 50/50 blends efficiently
- MTL tanks perform better with higher PG content
- Check your device specifications for recommended ratios
The ideal ratio depends on your vaping style and equipment. Sub-ohm vapers using powerful devices might prefer 70/30 VG/PG for dense clouds and smooth hits. MTL vapers seeking strong flavour and throat hit often choose 50/50 or higher PG ratios. Your coil resistance and wattage settings also affect how different ratios perform in your device.
Testing different ratios helps identify your perfect balance between flavour intensity, throat hit, and vapour production. Start with a 50/50 blend and adjust based on your preferences and device capabilities.
Exploring Popular PG/VG Ratios
The balanced 50/50 ratio stands as a versatile choice in the vaping world. This equal blend delivers:
- Pronounced flavour clarity
- Moderate throat hit
- Satisfying vapour production
- Compatibility with most devices
- Ideal for beginners
High VG ratios (70% or higher) create an experience tailored for cloud chasers and direct-lung vapers. These blends shine with:
- Dense, thick vapour clouds
- Smooth inhale sensation
- Rich, creamy texture
- Perfect for sub-ohm devices
- Reduced throat hit
High PG ratios serve as an excellent choice for former smokers. These blends typically contain 60% or more PG, offering:
- Strong throat hit similar to cigarettes
- Sharp, clear flavour delivery
- Quick wicking in devices
- Less vapour production
- Ideal for MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping
Each ratio caters to specific vaping preferences and device requirements. The 50/50 blend works brilliantly in pod systems and starter kits, while high VG suits powerful sub-ohm devices. High PG ratios excel in basic pen-style devices and pod systems designed for MTL vaping.
These popular ratios form the foundation of most commercial e-liquids, with brands like IVG and Dr Frost offering varied options. Cloud chasers gravitate towards high VG blends from premium ranges, while transitioning smokers often find comfort in high PG or balanced ratios from brands like Kingston e-liquids and 88Vape.
Customising PG/VG Ratios in DIY E-liquids
DIY e-liquid mixing puts you in control of your vaping experience. Creating custom PG/VG ratios requires basic mathematical calculations and careful measurement:
Basic DIY Ratio Formula:
- Calculate the total volume needed
- Determine desired nicotine strength
- Measure PG/VG volumes separately
- Add flavour concentrates (typically PG-based)
- Mix thoroughly
Device Compatibility Considerations
Sub-ohm Devices (Below 1.0 ohm)
- Best suited for 70/30 VG/PG or higher
- Optimal wattage range: 40-200W
- Produces dense clouds
- Requires proper wicking material
Standard Coils (Above 1.0 ohm)
- Compatible with 50/50 blends
- Typical wattage: 10-25W
- Better flavour delivery
- Suitable for nic salts
Technical Factors Affecting Performance
Your device’s specifications directly impact e-liquid performance:
- Higher resistance coils (MTL) → Better with higher PG
- Lower resistance coils (DTL) → Suited for higher VG
- Increased wattage → Requires higher VG content
- Wicking material density → Affects VG absorption
Mixing Tips for Common Devices
Pod Systems
- 50/50 to 60/40 VG/PG
- Thinner consistency
- Quick wicking
Box Mods
- 70/30 to Max VG
- Thicker consistency
- Higher power handling
Remember to test small batches when experimenting with new ratios. Different devices and coil configurations may require ratio adjustments for optimal performance.
Understanding Standard Common Ratios: 70VG/30PG, 80VG/20PG, Max VG, Max PG
Let’s explore the most popular e-liquid ratios and their distinct characteristics:
1. 70VG/30PG
This ratio strikes the perfect balance for sub-ohm vaping. It offers rich vapour production with satisfying clouds while maintaining flavour clarity. It’s suitable for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping and is compatible with most modern devices.
Example: Slow Blow 50ml e-liquid by Nasty Juice
2. 80VG/20PG
For those who prioritise cloud production, the 80VG/20PG ratio is an excellent choice. It enhances cloud production and provides a smoother throat hit, making it ideal for cloud-chasing enthusiasts. This blend works best with high-powered devices and requires efficient wicking materials.
Example: Black Reloaded 100ml e-liquid by Zeus Juice
3. Max VG
If you’re looking to produce the thickest clouds possible, Max VG is the way to go. Typically consisting of 90% VG or higher, this ratio delivers extremely smooth inhales with minimal throat hit. It’s best suited for cloud competitions and requires powerful devices with excellent wicking capabilities.
4. Max PG
On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper throat hit similar to traditional cigarettes, Max PG might be your preferred option. Usually containing 70-80% PG content, this blend offers intense flavour delivery and a thinner consistency, making it perfect for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. It works well in basic starter kits.
Each ratio serves specific vaping preferences and device requirements. The 70/30 and 80/20 blends represent the sweet spot for most vapers, offering versatility across different setups. Max VG suits cloud enthusiasts with high-powered devices, while Max PG caters to those seeking a cigarette-like experience or using simpler devices.
Note on device compatibility: Higher VG ratios need more power and better wicking capabilities, while higher PG ratios work efficiently in most devices due to their thinner consistency.
Choosing the Right Ratio for Your Vaping Style
Selecting your ideal PG/VG ratio requires careful consideration of three key factors:
1. Personal Vaping Goals
- Flavour-focused vapers benefit from higher PG ratios (50/50 or 60/40)
- Cloud enthusiasts thrive with VG-dominant blends (70/30 or higher)
- Nicotine satisfaction seekers often prefer balanced ratios (50/50)
2. Device Compatibility
- Pod systems and MTL devices work best with 50/50 ratios
- Sub-ohm tanks handle high VG ratios efficiently
- RDAs and mesh coils excel with 70/30 or higher VG content
3. Vaping Environment
- Stealth vaping situations suit higher PG ratios with minimal clouds
- Outdoor/home use allows freedom for high VG cloud production
- Social settings might require balanced ratios for consideration
Your perfect ratio might change based on:
- Time of day
- Location
- Current mood
- Specific flavour profiles
- Weather conditions
Expert Tip: Start with a 50/50 ratio and adjust based on your experience. Keep notes on which ratios work best with different devices and scenarios. Many vapers maintain multiple setups with varying PG/VG ratios to suit different occasions and preferences.
Conclusion
Finding your perfect PG/VG ratio requires experimentation and personal exploration. Every vaper’s journey is unique, shaped by their preferences and goals. Whether you’re after intense flavours, big clouds, or a satisfying throat hit, the right balance is out there.
Here are some tips to help you find your ideal ratio:
- Start with popular ratios as a starting point
- Make small adjustments based on your experience
- Keep track of what works best for you
- Consider trying different ratios with new devices
Remember that finding your optimal vaping experience may take some trial and error. Your ideal PG/VG ratio might change as you try out different devices, flavours, and vaping styles. Trust your instincts and pay attention to what you like—that will lead you to the perfect balance.
Are you ready to start your journey? We have a wide range of e-liquids with different PG/VG ratios available, so you can create your ideal vaping experience.
FAQs
What is the difference between PG and VG in vape juice?
PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerin) are two primary ingredients in e-liquids. PG carries flavor effectively and provides a stronger throat hit, while VG produces thicker vapor clouds and offers a smoother inhale.
How does the PG/VG ratio affect my vaping experience?
The PG/VG ratio influences flavor intensity, throat hit, and vapor production. Higher PG ratios enhance flavor and throat hit, whereas higher VG ratios increase vapor production and create a smoother inhale. Choosing the right balance depends on your personal preferences and device compatibility.
What are some popular PG/VG ratios and their benefits?
Common ratios include 50/50, which offers a balanced flavor and vapor; 70VG/30PG and 80VG/20PG, which favor thicker clouds with moderate throat hit; Max VG for maximum vapor production ideal for cloud chasers; and Max PG for those seeking stronger throat hits, often beneficial for smokers transitioning to vaping.
Can I customize the PG/VG ratio in DIY e-liquids?
Yes, you can tailor your own e-liquids by adjusting the PG/VG ratio based on factors like coil resistance and device wattage. This customization helps optimize performance for sub-ohm devices or nic salts, ensuring an ideal vaping experience aligned with your preferences.
How do I choose the right PG/VG ratio for my vaping style?
Selecting the ideal PG/VG ratio depends on your personal preference, device type, and vaping style. For example, mouth-to-lung vapers might prefer higher PG for throat hit, while cloud chasers often opt for high VG ratios to maximize vapor production.
Why is understanding PG/VG ratios important for vapers?
Understanding PG/VG ratios is crucial because it directly impacts flavor delivery, throat sensation, vapor density, and overall satisfaction. Experimenting with different ratios helps you find the perfect balance that suits your individual needs for an optimal vaping experience.
