Introduction
Understanding PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerin) ratios in e-liquid helps vapers choose the best balance of throat hit, flavor intensity, vapor production, and coil compatibility. This guide explains the roles of PG and VG, common ratios and what they deliver, device considerations, DIY tips, and safety notes.
What PG and VG Do
Propylene Glycol (PG): Thin, lightly viscous liquid. Carries flavor well, produces a stronger throat hit similar to tobacco smoke, wicks easily, and is less likely to gunk coils. Can cause sensitivity or allergies in a small number of people.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG): Thick, sweet, viscous liquid. Produces dense, smooth vapor clouds and a mild throat hit. Can mute flavors slightly, may require more wicking capability and higher-power devices, and can cause faster coil buildup.
How Ratios Affect Vaping
Throat Hit: Higher PG = stronger throat hit. Higher VG = smoother, less pronounced throat hit.
Flavor Intensity: Higher PG amplifies flavor clarity. Higher VG can make flavors feel sweeter but sometimes less distinct.
Vapor Production: Higher VG produces larger, denser clouds. Higher PG produces thinner vapor.
Wicking & Coil Life: High VG (70%+) can be harder to wick on low-power or tight-wicking coils and may increase gunking. High PG wicks easily and keeps coils cleaner longer.
Nicotine Delivery: PG carries nicotine well — nicotine strength feels more pronounced in higher-PG blends. Freebase nicotine is often paired with higher PG; nic salts (smoother at higher nic strengths) can be used across ratios but often go with higher PG for throat satisfaction at lower wattage devices.
Common PG/VG Ratios and Who They’re For
50/50 (PG/VG): Balanced flavor, moderate vapor, noticeable throat hit. Good for pod systems, starter kits, and MTL (mouth-to-lung) vapers.
60/40 or 55/45 (PG/VG): Slightly more vapor and smoother hit than 50/50, still good flavor. Works for many simple sub-ohm tanks and upgraded pod systems.
70/30 (VG/PG): Popular for cloud-chasing and sub-ohm DTL (direct-to-lung) users who want thick vapor and smoother inhale while retaining decent flavor.
80/20 to max VG (VG/PG): Heavy vapor production and very smooth throat feel. Best for dedicated sub-ohm devices with high-wattage coils and well-designed wicking. May reduce flavor sharpness.
High PG blends (70/30 PG/VG or higher PG): Less common except for specific needs like stronger throat hit or certain nicotine formulations; better for low-wattage MTL devices and when flavor clarity is the priority.
Choosing a Ratio by Device and Style
Low-power pod systems and MTL: 50/50 or higher PG (60/40 PG/VG) — easy wicking and stronger throat hit.
Medium-power tanks (sub-ohm around 0.6–1.0 ohm): 50/50 to 60/40 VG/PG or slightly higher VG depending on airflow and coil design.
High-power sub-ohm (below ~0.5 ohm, cloud-focused): 70/30 VG/PG to max VG for big clouds and smooth inhales.
Nicotine salts in pods: Often paired with 50/50 or slightly higher PG for quick nicotine delivery and throat feel.
If you have coil gunking or dry hits on high-VG liquid: consider increasing PG or using coils designed for thicker liquids and ensure adequate wicking.
Practical Examples
Starter/pod user wanting a cigarette-like hit: 50/50 PG/VG, 12–18 mg freebase or 20–50 mg nic salt depending on device and preference.
Flavor-focused vaper with moderate vapor: 60/40 PG and VG Ratios VG/PG or 55/45 VG/PG.
Cloud chaser with sub-ohm setup: 70/30 to 80/20 VG/PG or max VG.
DIY Mixing Tips
Start with known recipes and adjust in small increments (10% changes) to find preferred throat hit and vapor.
When increasing VG, ensure your device and coils can handle thicker liquid; priming and patience while saturating wicks helps prevent dry hits.
If adding nicotine, account for the nicotine base (often provided in PG or VG copyright) when calculating final PG/VG ratio.
Use accurate syringes or graduated cylinders and calculate amounts precisely. Keep records of recipes.
Steeping: some high-VG blends may benefit from short steeping to meld flavors; shaking and letting rest in a cool, dark place helps.
Safety and Storage
Store e-liquids, nicotine, and components in childproof, labeled containers away from heat and sunlight.
Wear gloves when handling concentrated nicotine and wash hands after contact.
Dispose of waste responsibly; do not pour nicotine solutions down drains.
If you experience irritation (throat, skin, or respiratory), stop use and consult a healthcare professional.
Quick Troubleshooting
Harsh throat hit: Try higher VG or lower nicotine strength.
Weak flavor: Increase PG ratio or use stronger flavor concentration.
Leaking or poor wicking: Use higher PG or switch to coils/tanks designed for high VG.
Excessive coil gunking: Lower VG or reduce sweetener-heavy flavors.
Conclusion
Choosing the right PG/VG ratio depends on your device, desired throat hit, flavor intensity, and vapor production. Start with common ratios (50/50 for pods/MTL, 70/30 for cloud-focused sub-ohm) and adjust gradually. When mixing DIY, prioritize safety, accurate measurements, and proper