E-liquid is made from a base of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) mixed with nicotine and flavourings. The way these two liquids are blended – the PG VG ratio – changes how your vape tastes, feels and performs. Health authorities note that exposure to PG/VG base liquids without added flavourings shows little or no adverse effect, according to a 2022 government report.
Understanding the PG VG ratio helps you choose an e-liquid that suits your device, nicotine strength and preferred experience.
What Do PG and VG Do?
Propylene glycol (PG): PG is a thin, clear liquid used in food and medicine. It carries flavour and gives a strong throat hit. High-PG liquids feel more like smoking. PG is thin, so it works well in pod kits and vape pens with small coils.
Vegetable glycerine (VG): VG is thicker and slightly sweet. It creates smooth inhales and thick clouds. High-VG liquids need more power to vaporise. The flavour may be softer, but the vapour is denser.
Why the PG VG Ratio Matters
The PG VG ratio affects four key things:
Throat hit: More PG means a sharper throat hit. More VG makes vaping feel smoother.
Flavour: PG carries flavour very well. VG mutes it slightly but adds sweetness.
Cloud size: VG produces thicker vapour.
Device performance: PG liquids are thin and suit small coils. VG liquids are thicker and need more power to flow and heat properly.
Common PG VG Ratios
50/50 PG VG Ratio – Balanced
A 50/50 mix offers a medium throat hit and vapour. It flows easily through small coils. This ratio suits most pod kits and refillable devices. It’s ideal for beginners or those moving away from disposables.
70/30 VG/PG – Bigger Clouds
This high-VG blend delivers smooth inhales and large clouds. It’s best for coils below 0.6 ohms. These liquids need more power and work better in high-wattage devices. Low nicotine (3-6 mg) is often used with this ratio.
80/20 VG/PG or Max VG – Cloud Chasing
Very high VG liquids create huge vapour clouds. The throat hit is mild. These blends are thick and need advanced kits that can handle low-resistance coils and higher wattage.
High PG (60-70% PG) – Stronger Flavour
These give a punchier throat hit and clearer flavour. They are best for pen-style kits or pod devices. Avoid using them in sub-ohm tanks to prevent leaking.
Best PG VG Ratio for Your Device
Pod kits and refillables: Use 50/50 or high-PG blends. These flow easily and give a good throat hit.
Sub-ohm tanks: Use 70/30 or 80/20 VG blends. These are thicker and need more heat.
Coil resistance: Over 1 ohm works well with 50/50. Below 0.6 ohm suits high-VG liquids.
Nicotine strength: Higher PG suits stronger nicotine. VG blends work better with lower nicotine.
Safety and Regulation
According to the UK Health Security Agency, e-liquids contain nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine and flavourings. They also state there is no side-stream vapour like with tobacco smoke.
The 2022 evidence review from the Department of Health and Social Care noted that inhaling unflavoured PG and VG showed little to no health impact in controlled studies. Always choose e-liquids from registered UK suppliers that meet safety standards.
What is the PG VG ratio?
It is the amount of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) in an e-liquid. It changes how your vape tastes and feels.
Which PG VG ratio feels most like smoking?
Higher PG or 50/50 gives a similar throat hit to smoking and stronger flavour.
Can I use high-VG in a pod kit?
It’s not recommended. Thick VG may clog the coil or cause dry hits. Stick with 50/50 blends.
Is PG and VG safe?
PG and VG are used in food and medicine. UK government reports suggest that vaping base liquids without flavourings has little or no harmful effect.
