PG vs VG: What the E-Liquid Ratio Means

Every bottle of e-liquid has a ratio on it — 50/50, 70/30 and so on. That's the PG to VG ratio, and getting it right for your kit makes a real difference. Here's what it means in plain English.

This is for adult smokers and ex-smokers. If you don't smoke, don't start vaping.

What are PG and VG?

They're the two base liquids that carry the flavour and nicotine in every e-liquid:

• PG (propylene glycol) is thin. It carries flavour well and gives a firmer throat hit — the little catch at the back of the throat that ex-smokers tend to like.

• VG (vegetable glycerine) is thick and slightly sweet. It makes more vapour and a smoother inhale.

What the ratio does

• 50/50 — balanced, thinner liquid. More throat hit, modest vapour. Perfect for small MTL pod and starter kits, and it's what most nic salts use.

• 70/30 (high-VG) — thicker, smoother, big clouds, softer throat hit. Made for bigger DTL sub-ohm kits.

If you're not sure which style of kit you have, our MTL vs DTL guide explains the difference.

Which should a beginner use?

For nearly every switcher on a small kit: 50/50. It suits MTL coils, gives the throat hit that satisfies a cigarette craving, and pairs with the nic salts we recommend in What nicotine strength should a beginner use?.

High-VG 70/30 liquids are for later, if you move to a bigger cloud-chasing setup. Put a thick 70/30 liquid in a small MTL pod and it'll struggle to wick, giving you dry, burnt hits — so match the liquid to the kit.

Quick guide

• Small pod / MTL kit → 50/50 (and usually nic salt)

• Big sub-ohm / DTL kit → 70/30 high-VG (and low-strength freebase)

Match the ratio to your device and your vape will taste better, wick better and last longer.

Related guides

• Switching from Smoking to Vaping: A Complete Beginner's Guide

• Best Pod Kits 2026 — Our Top Picks

• How to Refill Your Vape Pod or Tank Without the Mess

• How to Stop Your Vape Leaking

• Does Vaping Help You Quit Smoking? What the Evidence Says